WHEREAS:
The events of September 11, 2001, and the postal service anthrax contamination brought heightened awareness to the importance of workplace security and preparedness for terrorism events; and

WHEREAS:
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as tornados, flooding and ice storms, have exposed the inadequacy of the government’s response in coping with natural disasters; and

WHEREAS:
Neglect of basic infrastructure led to the bridge collapse in Minnesota, killing 13 people; and

WHEREAS:
Many of the nation’s health care facilities are still woefully unprepared for an influenza pandemic; and

WHEREAS:
Crises such as fires, earthquakes, bomb threats, power outages and violent events happen every day in our public workplaces; and

WHEREAS:
Sound emergency management, planning and preparedness efforts can lessen the impact of these crises; and

WHEREAS:
Funding for these efforts at all levels is woefully inadequate.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME councils and locals exercise their contractual and legal rights to ensure that employers take all necessary actions to prepare for workplace emergencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME councils and locals demand meaningful participation in the emergency planning process; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME be active at the national, state and local levels in the development of policies and legislation to increase the capacity of public agencies to respond to public health, safety, natural and man-made disasters.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Veronica Montgomery-Costa, President and Delegate
Clifford Koppelman, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Council 37
New York