IN SUPPORT OF THE FEDERATION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES QUALITY CAMPAIGN

WHEREAS, it takes quality services to build strong communities and these services are under attack; and

Whereas, the Federation of Public Employees division of the American Federation of Teachers represents members in thousands of job titles in state and local government agencies; and

Whereas, public employees provide quality services that guarantee a safety net for citizens, build communities, and strengthen economic development; and

Whereas, there is an urgent need to educate and bring to the attention of politicians and the public the tremendous contributions made by public employees; and

Whereas, the FPE/PPC has made a commitment to increase the quality of services provided to the public and has developed an extensive program to promote quality public services; and

Whereas, politicians often choose to unfairly criticize public services and attack at every level the employees who provide these services; and

Whereas, politicians and privatizers incorrectly argue that only the private sector can provide better, more economical public services; and

Whereas, politicians, looking to advance their political agenda, call for privatization, contracting out, downsizing, pay for performance and merit pay through legislation and at the bargaining table; and

Whereas, politicians and the public need to understand that quality services require full and appropriate funding and staffing; and

Whereas, legislators who support public employees deserve to be recognized for their contributions in support of quality public services that build our communities; and

Whereas, the FPE/AFT local unions must monitor the quality of services being provided by government and private contractors; and

Whereas, the FPE/AFT local unions must take the lead in promoting the highest standards of services to the public and must promote public policy that provides greater employee input in workplace decision making; and

Whereas, due to the evolving nature of their work, FPE/AFT members require ongoing, pertinent professional development to maintain high-quality standards; and

Whereas, the problems involved in providing quality public services must be addressed nationally as well as locally; and

Whereas, the FPE/AFT has launched a nationwide campaign to promote quality public services under the banner of "Quality Services from Quality People":

Resolved, that the AFT executive council endorse the FPE Quality Services Campaign and take an active role in promoting the services provided by public employees; and

Resolved, that all FPE/AFT local unions, regardless of size or make-up, coordinate their activities in a way that will magnify, publicize and promote the outstanding achievements of public employees; and

Resolved, that FPE/AFT local unions establish lists of decision makers that will be used to educate legislators and the public about the tremendous contributions being made every day by public employees; and

Resolved, that FPE/AFT local unions recognize those legislators who support quality public services provided by public employees; and

Resolved, that the FPE/AFT local unions monitor the extent and quality of private sector contracting as well as the level of salaries and benefits being provided to employees working for private contractors; and

Resolved, that FPE/AFT local unions will work to secure professional development opportunities for public employees, employee involvement in decision making and committees that ensure continuous quality services; and

Resolved, that the FPE/AFT, through its program and policy council, propose public policy and legislation designed to promote the highest possible standards for delivery of quality public services.