WHEREAS:

Out of an estimated population of 43 million disabled and chronically ill Americans, only one-third are currently employed; and

WHEREAS:

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

WHEREAS:

Most collective bargaining agreements do not include provisions that prohibit employment discrimination against employees with disabilities and chronic illnesses or language that, requires the employer to make reasonable accommodations; and

WHEREAS:

Existing legislation, including the Federal Rehabilitation Act, does not effectively counter discrimination against Americans with disabilities. Studies have shown that people with disabilities, as a group, occupy inferior status in American society and are subject to prejudice educationally, vocationally, economically, and even socially; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME is a prominent and active member of the disability advocacy movement which seeks to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. AFSCME's Advisory Committee on the Rights of the Disabled continues to spearhead AFSCME's activities on issues facing the union's disabled and chronically ill members.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will actively support the Americans with Disabilities Act. This Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, public service and telecommunications and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

SUBMITTED BY:

Albert Diop, President
Pearl Newsome, Secretary
AFSCME Local 1549
New York, NY