WHEREAS:

Throughout our history, men and women from many different regions of the world have come to the United States and made it their new home. Where once Southern and Eastern Europe were the major sources of immigration, in recent years, the countries of Latin and South America, Asia, and the Middle East have become the new sources of immigration; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME members constantly interact with the public in providing services, which frequently requires interaction with people who do not use English as their primary language; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME members perform jobs where knowledge of a language other than English is required, and;

WHEREAS:

Often, these members who speak other languages are called upon to interpret as well as perform their normal duties;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME recognizes that using languages other than English to provide services is a job skill, which should be written into job descriptions and compensated for.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That employers recognize that AFSCME members who perform interpretation work outside of their normal duties and responsibilities are performing a service for the employer, and that this should be taken into account when reviewing their performance of regularly scheduled duties.