PATRONIZING UNIONIZED HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

WHEREAS, the labor movement has had a long tradition of patronizing unionized shops and services; and

WHEREAS, union administered health and welfare funds are a major source of funds for health care services; and

WHEREAS, many health care facilities have taken aggressive anti-union positions including hiring anti-union consultants; and

WHEREAS, unionized health care facilities are in need of support from organized labor; and

WHEREAS, quality of care is enhanced in a unionized facility where negotiations have created a more stable workforce and improved patient/staff ratios:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers urges all its affiliated locals and members to patronize unionized health care facilities individually and through group plans wherever possible.