WHEREAS:

The continuing rise of premium cost of hospital/medical insurance is directly impacting our ability to negotiate a fair settlement at the bargaining table, as well as the rate of increases, and is out of the hands and control of the employees and the employers; and

WHEREAS:

The pooling effect of our nearly 1,300,000 AFSCME members should be able to better control premium rate increases which have such a negative effect on our current outcome at the bargaining table; and

WHEREAS:

Should an AFSCME health care program become a reality, it could be used as an organizational tool, because other International Unions are offering hospital/medical insurance as a benefit of choosing their union over AFSCME, and their rates are under better control because it is through their International Union.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the thirty-fourth International Convention of AFSCME go on record in support of this resolution being adopted requiring the International Vice Presidents and Executive Board to call for a study of options which would provide hospital/medical insurance and/or supplemental coverage for AFSCME members, retirees, and public employees who have been separated from service by disability or other infirmity; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the Executive Board report back to the membership at the thirty-fifth International Convention.

SUBMITTED BY:

Kim Morrissey, President
AFSCME Local 667, Council 65

Laura Metzdorf, President
AFSCME Local 580, Council 65

Dennis Peterson, President
AFSCME Local 1452, Council 65

Linda Griffith, President
AFSCME Local 1626, Council 65

Jennifer Heppner
AFSCME Local 510, Council 65

Lee Carver, Delegate
AFSCME Local 3064, Council 65
Minnesota

Allen Whitehead, President and Delegate
Cathy Weldon, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Local 443, Council 28
Washington