WHEREAS:
AFSCME members actively work on and off the job to meet the needs of the community and to make it a better place to live and work; and
WHEREAS:
The public is not often aware of the fact that it is public employees and union members who are performing these services and working on behalf of community causes and organizations; and
WHEREAS:
The Reagan Administration is deliberately attempting to undermine public services and public employee unionism by promoting "contracting out" or abolishing services we provide; and
WHEREAS:
It is important to improve the image the average taxpayer has of public employees and public employee unions. This is essential because public employees have increasingly become the scapegoat of public officials and taxpayers when problems arise concerning the funding of public services; and
WHEREAS:
During this time of threats to undermine public services and unions in general, it is especially important that AFSCME members utilize every opportunity to strengthen their position at the bargaining table, through a positive public image and community support.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this 27th International Convention urge AFSCME's locals and councils to work to ensure that the public's perception of the union and its members accurately reflects the positive contributions made to their communities by public employees; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Community Action Program provide guidance and training to locals and councils to help them establish community action committees for the purpose of making the public aware of the contribution of public employees to the community both on and off the job; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME encourage all locals and councils to participate in community action programs which will strengthen and build our communities and simultaneously our community support.
SUBMITTED BY:
Calvin Christianson, Delegate
Local 727, Council 40
Menomonie, WisconsinSue King, President
Beverly Hermanson, Secretary
Local 443, Council 28
Olympia, Washington