WHEREAS:

The need for training and retraining of our nation's workforce is critical if we hope to compete in today's world economic market. A substantial number of our nation's youth do not have even the most basic training or skills; an estimated 10.8 million workers lost their jobs due to layoffs without recall or as a result of plant closings between 1981 and 1985; and

WHEREAS:

Despite the obvious need for an adequately funded employment and training policy, the federal government has cut funding for employment and training programs from $18 billion in 1978 to less than $5 billion today, including severe reductions in funding for the government's own Employment Service; and

WHEREAS:

This lack of funding has forced states to combine and curtail services to the extent that they are no longer able to provide adequate service to both the short-term and the long-term unemployed. In addition, the reduction of funds has forced stats to close offices and lay employees off in Employment Services across the nation; and

WHEREAS:

The current administration has promoted the privatization and contracting out of employment and training programs as a substitute for adequate funding; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME members work in public agencies which serve the unemployed and underemployed. Further, AFSCME members, including 30,000 in the Employment Service, provide employment and training services to disadvantaged and dislocated workers.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work closely with other labor unions, advocacy groups, governmental associations and members of the academic community to develop a long-term employment and training policy which maintains the central role of state and local governments in the provision of these services; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge Congress to renew its commitment to employment and training programs and provide for adequate funding levels to the Employment Services; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to support attempts to privatize this nation's employment and training system.

SUBMITTED BY:

Steve Culen, Delegate and Executive Director
Council 31
Springfield, Illinois