Senate Launches Attack on Health and Safety
Washington, D.C.
Continuing the attack on Republican workplace safety and health protections, U.S. Sens. Nancy Kassebaum (R-Kan.) and Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) have introduced a bill (S.1423) in the Senate that would severely weaken OSHA enforcement. Although the sponsors claim that the bill will make OSHA more effective by encouraging cooperation, the legislation would actually exempt up to 75% of employers from regular OSHA inspections.
"We need to be perfectly clear," said AFSCME Pres. Gerald W. McEntee. "This legislation has nothing to do with reforming OSHA. Working people aren't asking to make OSHA voluntary, they are asking for stronger OSHA enforcement. This is nothing but a payback to the business interests who supported Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole."
In addition to exempting large numbers of employers from OSHA coverage, the bill would:
Strip Away Workers' Rights. The right to receive a workplace inspection in response to a valid written complaint is eliminated. Employers could set up company-dominated safety and health committees.
Slash Penalties for Violators. Employers who violate the law would get automatic 75% penalty reductions simply for taking minimal steps to address safety and health hazards. OSHA could issue warnings instead of citations, even for potentially deadly hazards.
Bury OSHA in Mountains of Paperwork and Keep the Agency from Inspecting Workplaces. OSHA's highest priority should be inspecting hazardous worksites. But under S.1423, inspectors would be required to stay in the office reviewing paperwork submitted by employers seeking exemptions.
No Real Reform. Finally—no surprise—the Senators have ignored the most needed reform: coverage of eight million public employees who do not currently have OSHA coverage.
The Gregg-Kassebaum Bill is being described as a moderate compromise. While it is slightly better than the Ballenger Bill (HR 1834) in the House of Representatives, it is anything but a moderate bill. AFSCME is mobilizing its legislative and grass-roots efforts to defeat this piece of legislation.
Meanwhile, grass-roots labor activity seems to have stalled the radical Ballenger Bill for now. Recent demonstrations have been held across the country against its supporters. Events include a demonstration with hundreds of union members against Congressman William Goodling (R-Pa.), chair of the House Economic and Educa-tional Opportunities Committee, as well as large demonstrations in Madison, Wisc., against Congressman Scott Klug (R).
We Need to Keep the Heat On
Business publications have been full of editorials complaining that no anti-OSHA or anti-regulatory bills were passed last year, and encouraging Gingrich, Dole, and their followers to redouble their efforts.
To get active in the struggle to save our health and safety protections, join the AFSCME OSHA/Environment Political Action Network and request organizing materials on the Gregg-Kassebaum and Ballenger Bills. Contact the AFSCME Research Department at (202) 429-1228 or jbarab@capcon.net.
Workers Memorial Day 1996
April 28 is Workers Memorial Day. Workers Memorial Day comes at a perfect time to show the people and politicians of this country that we take seriously our right to a safe workplace. AFSCME and the other unions of the AFL-CIO will focus on making clear to the American people where our Senators and Representatives stand on our right to a safe workplace. Activities will include rallies, postcard and letter campaigns, and visits to our Congresspeople, making clear that we will not accept proposals such as the Ballenger Bill or the Gregg-Kassebaum Bill, or regulatory "reform" proposals that would make it impossible for OSHA or the EPA to safeguard our safety, health, food, and drinking water.
But none of this will happen unless you get active. If you are interested in organizing and participating in Workers Memorial Day events, contact the AFSCME Research Department at (202) 429-1228. Buttons, flyers, posters, and other organizing materials are available.
