WHEREAS:

AFSCME members sometimes experience problems that affect their performance on the job, their families, and their work as union members; and

WHEREAS:

As a union, AFSCME has long recognized the problems and costs associated with alcoholism, drug abuse, mental health, financial difficulties and family/marital crises. Public employers are also beginning to recognize the cost associated with these problems; and

WHEREAS:

Local union leaders and stewards are often called upon to help members deal with personal and family problems as they affect their work lives; and

WHEREAS:

Some AFSCME councils and locals have negotiated employee assistance programs (EAPs) which are designed to guide employees to services, such as alcohol and drug abuse treatment, marital and family counseling, child care, programs for the elderly and financial counseling; and

WHEREAS:

It is in the interest of labor and management to cooperate to resolve. these problems; and

WHEREAS:

An employee assistance program is an effective approach for AFSCME members to use in order to overcome the numerous problems and illnesses that can affect them in a variety of ways.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the 29th International Convention encourage AFSCME councils and locals to establish joint labor-management employee assistance programs to refer members to available community resources; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME ensure full union participation in all aspects of the EAP development and operation, including training, education, workshops, publicity and evaluation; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME provide the necessary technical assistance and training programs to implement new EAPs or improve those which already exist.

SUBMITTED BY:

Robert A. Brindza, Delegate and President
AFSCME Council 8
Columbus, OH