WHEREAS:

Far too many AFSCME members who work in human services and other programs are adversely affected by stress, burnout, and an inability to provide services effectively because of unmanageable and unreasonable caseloads; and

WHEREAS:

The high cost of the failure to address this issue exacts a heavy toll upon workers and their families and recipients of services; and

WHEREAS:

Runaway caseloads carried by employees in public agencies are indefensible. They make a mockery out of the delivery of services that clients are entitled to.by law. They cause chaos in the workplace by creating serious worker turnover and absenteeism rates, demoralized staff and disgruntled clients; and

WHEREAS:

Public service agencies that tolerate the existence of unmanageable caseloads break faith with taxpayers' expectations that services to eligible persons be provided promptly, effectively, and efficiently; and

WHEREAS:

When workloads are out of control, recipients are denied the services they need. All too frequently this subjects them to unfair hardship and deprivation; and

WHEREAS:

Unmanageable caseloads, or workloads, have a profound impact upon conditions of employment. Because of this fact, they present an issue that should be addressed and resolved through the collective bargaining, or consultation process, or, failing this, through legislative or legal action; and

WHEREAS:

One remedy to the issue of unmanageable caseloads is the establishment and enforcement of quantifiable, realistic caseload standards in each program area.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals who are facing this issue are urged to address it through collective bargaining, consultation, state legislation or other alternative means, and to call upon the International Union for whatever assistance or support that may be needed; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the International develop ways to address the caseload issue at the federal level through the establishment of national caseload,standards or by altering federal reimbursement formulas in such a way as to provide incentives to states to set lower caseload sizes and increase staffing.

SUBMITTED BY:

Max R. Liberles, President
Emily Houck, Secretary-Treasurer
AFSCME Local 2000
Chicago, Illinois

John Birnel, President
Cecilia Saari, Recording Secretary
AFSCME Local 843, Council 28
Seattle, Washington