WHEREAS:

Out of an estimated population of 35 million disabled and chronically ill Americans, only one-third are currently employed; and

WHEREAS:

Disabled and chronically ill persons are often victims of work discrimination in pay, promotion, job advancement, transfers, and benefits as well as victims of discrimination in transportation, housing, public services, and education; and

WHEREAS:

Many collective bargaining agreements do not include provisions which prohibit employment discrimination against employees with disabilities and chronic illnesses or language requiring the employer to make reasonable accommodations, retention, and retraining of disabled and chronically ill employees; and

WHEREAS:

Individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses are now becoming a powerful political force. This is evidenced by the recent demonstrations at Gallaudet University, the nation's only university for the hearing impaired, where students demanded the appointment of a deaf president for the university; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME is a prominent and active member of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME is the only labor union that participates in the National Organization on Disability's Awards Programs.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME support training for union representatives on programs affecting disabled and chronically ill persons so that existing laws and contract provisions can be enforced, and the existing rights of members with disabilities and chronic illnesses be protected and expanded; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will support coalitions and organizations that seek to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will support the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1988. This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, travel, communications, and activities of state and local governments. It does not repeal Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It does include enforcement procedures for administrative remedies, a private right of action in federal court, monetary damages, injunctive relief, attorneys' fees and cut-offs of federal funds; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME and its affiliate councils and locals will strive to make union meetings, activities, and publications accessible to disabled and chronically ill members; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the AFSCME Advisory Committee on the Rights of the Disabled Chronically III continue its activities on the issues facing AFSCME's disabled and chronically ill members.

SUBMITTED BY:

Geri Ruth, Chairperson of the Disabled Advisory Committee and Delegate 
AFSCME Local 1549, Council 37
New York New York