WHEREAS:

Thousands of Head Start workers have joined AFSCME and we are the national voice of Head Start workers and the children and families they serve; and

WHEREAS:

Despite working in a federal program that fights poverty, Head Start workers often make poverty level wages, receive inadequate health benefits and lack pension coverage; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME and Head Start workers have the strength to challenge and change the program's poor working conditions; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME believes in the promise of the Head Start program and its potential to lift children out of poverty, giving them the opportunity to achieve a better life.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

AFSCME will continue to organize Head Start workers to improve working conditions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

AFSCME will establish nationwide bargaining objectives to create pattern-setting agreements to raise standards and increase worker power; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

AFSCME will use our political power at the state and federal level to improve the working conditions and elevate the quality of the Head Start program. AFSCME will coordinate lobbying initiatives to ensure higher levels of funding for Head Start workers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

AFSCME will continue to publish the Head Start Voice as a means of information exchange, and to provide a voice for Head Start workers; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

AFSCME must organize many more Head Start workers if we are to continue to win improvements in the lives of Head Start workers and their families.

SUBMITTED BY:

JoAnn Johntony, President and Delegate 
Sandra Wheeler, Secretary and Delegate 
OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4
Ohio