Whereas:
AFSCME represents 1.4 million members serving in hundreds of occupations across the nation — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — providing the vital services that make America happen; and
Whereas:
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a health care emergency but also an unprecedented economic emergency. Displaced workers — those who lose their jobs and those who see cuts in their hours and pay — will need economic support at least until the crisis passes. Overall, services generally represent two-thirds of the economy; we already are seeing steep declines throughout that sector and in transportation; and
Whereas:
We are facing unprecedented circumstances. Even if people have money in their pockets, they cannot spend it fast enough to spark the economy. Displaced workers need financial support at this time to buy food and pay rent and other living expenses; and
Whereas:
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provided $280 billion in assistance to state and local governments. Much of the state fiscal relief funding was for the federal share of Medicaid funding (FMAP), and while FMAP is our traditionally preferred mechanism for getting money to states, it can have limited impact below the state level. In addition to providing more money through FMAP, Congress must create a robust, direct, non-dedicated general assistance grant program to states and municipalities; and
Whereas:
The rapid and unprecedented economic downturn will destabilize state and local government finances. Without assistance similar to that in ARRA, which was aimed at combating unemployment in the general economy, local governments will struggle to recover as UI is one of the greatest forms of stimulus to an economy; and
Whereas:
An under-reported challenge associated with the pandemic are problems in the municipal bond market where interest rates are rising rapidly and some issuers have cancelled sales. The Federal Reserve has stepped in to support federally issued Treasury Bonds. However, there has been no such support for state and local bonds; and
Whereas:
Testing for the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been insufficient to meet the needs of all Americans, not least of whom are health care professionals who cannot get back to work due to the lack of testing. This includes 200 health care workers in Connecticut, according to Gov. Ned Lamont; and
Whereas:
It is outrageous that any worker would face discipline as a result of advocating for the health and safety of our members.
Therefore Be It Resolved:
That AFSCME calls on all employers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect workers by following guidance and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, local public health agencies and worker health and safety officials; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That AFSCME demands that first responders, health care workers and other frontline workers have the necessary equipment and training to avoid exposure to COVID-19; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That AFSCME and its affiliates will continue to lobby Congress for substantial, direct federal assistance to states and local governments so they can maintain services. Federal assistance must be sufficient to meet the large revenue shortfalls caused by the public health crisis and resulting economic downturn and should be equitably allocated to each state and its local governments; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That AFSCME and its affiliates will continue to lobby Congress for meaningful financial help for all workers and families, including immediate and substantial expansion of unemployment insurance and direct stimulus payments; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That AFSCME will continue to advocate that employers make it easier for all employees to telecommute, to stay home when showing symptoms of COVID-19 and to care for family members with symptoms of COVID-19 and children whose schools or daycare providers are closed. AFSCME also will advocate against workers being disciplined or penalized for taking time off related to COVID-19; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That AFSCME urge Congress to authorize and require the Federal Reserve to buy non-federal municipal notes to ensure state and local governments’ access to capital markets and to target interest rates at the Federal Funds rate; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That AFSCME urge the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect all workers at potential risk of occupational exposure to infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Specifically, workers must have access to the appropriate resources, training, equipment and protocols to protect themselves and avoid infecting other people. The standard must extend to all public sector workers, not just those who are states with OSHA approved state plans; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That AFSCME demand that COVID-19 testing facilities prioritize testing of health care professionals, first responders and other critical public service workers who are putting themselves at risk to serve the public health at this critical moment; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That AFSCME support testing and treatment of COVID-19 at no out of pocket cost toindividuals, in order to ensure prompt recognition of, and response to, COVID-19 cases; and
Be It Further Resolved:
That AFSCME support all workers in their efforts to protect themselves and co-workers during this crisis and that we stand united against retaliation for exercising our rights to a safe work environment; and
Be It Finally Resolved:
That the national union will continue to support affiliates by producing communications materials, offering best practices and keeping affiliates up to date on next steps with regard to policy, the economy and legislation.
Adopted by:
International Executive Board
March 19, 2020