WHEREAS:

The popular media insists that the economy is booming and Americans are prospering; and

WHEREAS:

Real wages for working families have actually declined over the last twenty years, causing increased family debt and anxiety about making ends meet; and

WHEREAS:

The AFL-CIO Executive Council adopted a report, Economics Education for Working Families, which called for developing a multi-year, multi-level economics education program, to provide an opportunity for union members and their families to learn and talk about the economy from a working family’s perspective.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME is committed to provide a common sense economics education program for its members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the objectives of this program include: presenting an alternative view of the economy from a worker’s perspective; providing information to allow workers to challenge assumptions and ask questions; connecting economic issues to union goals around organizing, bargaining, legislative and political action; and outlining a union plan around economic issues; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That all AFSCME councils and locals will identify opportunities, such as council conventions, steward training, newsletters, etc., where the common sense economics education program can benefit as many members as possible.

SUBMITTED BY: INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD