WHEREAS:
AFSCME has more than 200,000 professional members including physicians, librarians, attorneys, nurses, social workers, juvenile and vocational rehabilitation counselors, probation/parole workers and psychologists. The number of professionals in the workforce continues to grow; and
WHEREAS:
Economic and social realities have erased the myth that unions are not for professionals. Professionals concerned about their careers and professions know the only way to have a strong voice in the workplace is to join with others having similar interests to collectively address their problems; and
WHEREAS:
Along with economic demands, professionals have problems which are best addressed through collective bargaining. These include career and professional development, technology in the workplace, workload standards, and quality of service. Professional standards must be maintained and ethics upheld; and
WHEREAS:
Juvenile rehabilitation institutions are among the most hostile and potentially dangerous workplaces in America. The inmate population is more aware of its rights and more difficult to manage. It is a population, moreover, that is more alienated from society and violent, and less afraid of punishment; and
WHEREAS:
The demands placed upon caretakers of this population never cease. They are consistently being reminded of constant inmate group observations, quick alertness to crisis intervention, problem-solving and physical intervention with the least amount of physical force; and
WHEREAS:
Overpopulation is a thing of the present and future with juvenile inmates. There will never be enough adequate staffing patterns to meet the demands of this population. With custody being the first priority for community safety along with case management being first for infra-structure and other demands.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME recognize the unique and challenging job requirements of members who supervise our youngest offenders. AFSCME will monitor trends and developments in the field of juvenile rehabilitation in order to better respond to the everchanging demands on these workers.
SUBMITTED BY:
Deloras J. Knight, Vice-President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 1926, Council 28
Washington