WHEREAS:
Millions of Americans of all ages suffer from physical and/or mental conditions that necessitate long-term care in nursing homes, institutions, community-based facilities and homes; and
WHEREAS:
The needs of elderly and disabled individuals are best served by a stable, high quality, client-centered and publicly accountable system of care that includes adequately staffed and sufficiently financed nursing homes, institutions, community programs and home health care services provided by organized workers; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME is the leading union representing employees working in nursing homes, institutions, home health care agencies and community-settings providing vital services to our nation's most vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME has been a leading advocate of high quality institutional and community-based services for individuals with chronic, disabling health conditions, those with mental illness and those with developmental disabilities, and has led the fight against budget cuts and attempts to weaken quality standards; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME has continued to oppose proposals from state and local governments that abdicate their responsibility to provide publicly accountable quality care by understaffing institutions, neglecting physical conditions and failing to improve services. Investigative newspaper stories and studies document the need for improved institutional and community-based services; and
WHEREAS:
The rise of managed care, contracting out to non-union vendors, cuts in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements, and the closing, downsizing and reorganization of publicly-operated nursing homes and institutions are having a major impact on long-term care and systems.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continue its historical commitment to a continuum of quality services, including both institutional and community-based care provided by AFSCME members, for the elderly and disabled; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME work on common goals with advocacy groups, parent groups and professional groups, breaking down past barriers and planning actions in support of an adequately funded, quality continuum of care and against irresponsible closures and contracting out of vital services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME work to ensure that the core institutional system is adequately funded to provide a safe, attractive and therapeutic environment for individuals who must remain in nursing homes and institutions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continue working to improve job security and working conditions for employees in nursing homes, institutions and the community to eliminate injuries to workers, overcrowding, understaffing and inadequate training; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continue to oppose irresponsible deinstitutionalization through labor/management committees, collective bargaining, legislative action, regulation and litigation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME work with councils and locals to organize the unorganized workers in community-based facilities and agencies while continuing to expose abuses perpetrated by profiteers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME work to expand its successes in the development of publicly-run community-based services and residential facilities for individuals with mental illness and those with developmental disabilities by providing technical assistance to councils and locals working on the development of such services; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the International closely monitor proposed legislation, waiver requests, collective bargaining, regulation and political changes to ensure that funding for institutional facilities is adequate, that any funding shifts to the community are accompanied by satisfactory worker protections and that a publicly-accountable safety net is preserved.
SUBMITTED BY:
Danny Donohue, President and Delegate
Mary E. Sullivan, Executive Vice President and Delegate
CSEA/AFSCME Local 1000
New York