WHEREAS:

Corrections employees play a vital role in providing for the security of their fellow citizens and their jobs put them at great personal risk each day; and

WHEREAS:

Corrections employees are exposed to health risks from transmissible diseases carried by inmates. These diseases, if left undetected, could be fatal; and

WHEREAS:

Many Corrections employees are killed or disabled in the line of duty, leaving their families unable to provide for educational opportunities for their children; and

WHEREAS:

Corrections employees are not provided the same legal protections in their jobs that are afforded to all citizens. These rights include the right to be informed of administrative charges prior to being questioned, the right to a hearing and an opportunity to respond, and the right to be represented by counsel or a representative.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work for legislation which would provide for mandatory testing for serious transmissible diseases of incarcerated persons in correctional facilities whose bodily fluids come into contact with Corrections employees; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work for federal legislation which would provide financial assistance for higher education to the dependents of federal, state and local Corrections employees who are killed or permanently and totally disabled as a result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME lobby for legislation which would ensure that Corrections employees are given the same civil and constitutional protections that other citizens have so that their jobs cannot be unfairly jeopardized.

SUBMITTED BY:

Richard Abrahamson, President and Delegate
Leonard Crouch, Secretary
AFSCME Council 82
New York