WHEREAS:

In the private sector professional employees have not traditionally been union members, but thousands of professionals who do work in the public and service sectors have joined unions; and

WHEREAS:

Professional employees' employment concerns can be effectively addressed through collective bargaining; and

WHEREAS:

Already AFSCME represents over 200,000 employees in varied professional occupations and they are in AFSCME local unions all over the country; and

WHEREAS:

The International Union Professional Employees Advisory Committee, comprised of rank-and-file AFSCME members from across the country, meets periodically to discuss topics unique to professionals and to develop strategies on how the union can best meet the needs of professional employee union members; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME sponsored a National Professional Employees Conference in 1987 that brought together professional members from throughout the country and featured workshops and speakers on issues of concern to professionals.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue efforts to organize professional employees; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union use the knowledge and expertise of professional employee union members to actively assist in organizing campaigns; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union continue to periodically sponsor national or regional conferences on issues relevant to professionals and encourage councils and locals to have such meetings where appropriate; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the unique needs and concerns of professional employee union members continue to be addressed through the Professional Employee Advisory Committee and through the negotiation of strong protections and benefits in contracts covering professional employees.

SUBMITTED BY:

Ronald C. Alexander, President
Ronald K. Rhonomus, Secretary-Treasurer
OCSEA/AFSCME Local 11
Columbus, Ohio