WHEREAS:

AFSCME has 1.3 million members protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The AFSCME rank and file includes thousands of members with disabilities; and

WHEREAS:

The ADA and the Rehabilitation Act have provided opportunities for AFSCME members and all people with disabilities to participate more fully in the economic and social life of the nation; and

WHEREAS:

Working men and women have been able to both gain and maintain jobs and to more fully participate in activities, including their union, because of the support provided by these laws; and

WHEREAS:

The United States Supreme Court has recently rendered decisions that seriously restrict the ability of disabled working people to seek accommodation under the ADA. A recent lower court ruling potentially jeopardizes the ability of state employees to enforce their rights under the ADA at all.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work with appropriate legislative bodies to reinforce and reinstate the protections provided by law for all people with disabilities and use the collective bargaining process, wherever possible, to ensure these rights; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union continue to provide support to councils, locals, and other AFSCME constituents to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are defended, both in the workplace and in their daily lives.

SUBMITTED BY:

Jan Corderman, President and Delegate 
AFSCME Council 61
Iowa