WHEREAS:

Professional surveys were recently conducted in the Washington, D.C. area that compared salaries of employees of trade unions and non-profit organizations, some of which are represented by the same union that represents AFSCME office employees; and,

WHEREAS:

This survey demonstrated that AFSCME wages exceed by 13% to 22% the average wages of employees in similar positions in other labor unions and in the Washington D.C. area; and,

WHEREAS:

When AFSCME's longevity provision is taken into account the gap between average comparable compensation and AFSCME's wages and benefits is even greater; and,

WHEREAS:

In current negotiations with the Office and Professional Employees International Union AFSCME representatives have proposed reforms designed to bring the wage and benefit structure more closely in line with the practices of other unions in the Washington, D.C. area; and,

WHEREAS:

AFSCME's proposal was carefully structured so as not to have any effect on current employees.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The International Executive Board express its support for the compensation reforms proposed by AFSCME representatives in their current negotiations.