WHEREAS:
The redesign of government is long overdue; and
WHEREAS:
Obsolete "command and control" management systems are damaging the credibility of government and causing widespread public distrust and resentment of government; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME members as government workers and taxpayers share the public's dissatisfaction and want to improve public services; and
WHEREAS:
State and local governments are striving to change the way they do business by improving productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness; and
WHEREAS:
Redesigning government requires a long-term continuous commitment to joint problem-solving; and
WHEREAS:
Worker empowerment programs based upon a full partnership combined with employment security have led to improved service delivery in both the public and private sectors; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME members, who deliver public services, are in the best position to know how to improve service delivery; and
WHEREAS:
Management frequently attempts to prevent union involvement in issues related to the mission and design of work by insisting that these matters are exclusive management rights; and
WHEREAS:
Mismanagement is never a management right; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME leadership gathered for two days of intensive examination of and deliberation about redesigning government. President McEntee will appoint a committee to develop further policies and actions to assist affiliates working on these matters.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME foster improvements in public services by initiating efforts to redesign government which are built upon these principles:
- Worker empowerment built on union representation rights;
- Investments in worker training to improve the delivery of services and the quality of these services;
- A more responsive and efficient bureaucracy with fewer layers between top management and frontline workers.
- Employment security;
- Commitment to the belief that government must serve and be accountable to all the people; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME vigorously oppose efforts to destroy the quality of public services through ill-conceived, politically-inspired initiatives put forth under the guise of "reinventing government" which only further demoralize frontline workers and undermine public confidence in government; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME call on government leaders and others to join with us oil the high road of improving public services through innovative cooperative redesign efforts, rather than taking the wasteful, counter-productive low road of load-shedding, downsizing, and contracting out; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME calls upon employers to look beyond their antiquated views of management rights and support joint programs that improve service delivery.
SUBMITTED BY:
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD