WHEREAS:
Women are nearly half the workforce and are disproportionately employed in growing industries. Over half of AFSCME members are women; and
WHEREAS:
For the last 25 years‚ women have outpaced men as new members of unions and organizing campaigns among workforces which are a majority of women are more likely to succeed; and
WHEREAS:
Working women are a critical source of growth for the labor movement, yet organizing campaigns are difficult to win and women are sometimes reluctant to become involved in organizing due to both practical and more deep-seated problems; and
WHEREAS:
Despite the growth of women as union members‚ and the increase of women at lower levels of leadership‚ women are under-represented as leaders throughout the labor movement. AFSCME has made a commitment to developing women leaders through its Women's Rights Department, its Women's Committee, Women's conferences and skills and leadership training; and
WHEREAS:
The AFL-CIO studied this issue and developed several recommendations that include actions AFSCME has taken, as well as others, such as focusing on issues that are a priority for working women, demonstrating to women that unions bring results, mentoring women, and measuring the effectiveness of these efforts.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continue its commitment to working women and examine the AFL-CIO recommendations to determine how we can further our commitment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will work with the AFL-CIO to gain insight on factors inhibiting women from joining unions, becoming active and gaining leadership positions; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME affiliates are urged to take steps to organize women and to facilitate their involvement in the union.
SUBMITTED BY:
Glenard Middleton, Executive Director and Delegate
AFSCME Council 67
Lora Williams, President
AFSCME Local 434, Council 67
Peggy Peacock, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 2202, Council 67
Dale Chase, President
AFSCME Local 3085, Council 67
Dorothy Bryant, Executive Board Member
AFSCME Local 44, Council 67
Maryland