UNION SUPPORT FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY WORKPLACES AND COMMUNITIES

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers, in partnership with community organizations and advocacy groups, has been fighting for 21st-century workplace policies that support workers, families and caregivers as evidenced in our mission, bargaining goals, community engagement and federal advocacy; and

WHEREAS, the AFT has a longtime commitment to support the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), paid family leave, early childhood education and other family-friendly laws and policies; and

WHEREAS, the AFT already has collaborated with the Labor Project for Working Families (LPWF) to build a contract database to support locals with collective bargaining rights as they negotiate language that creates family-friendly workplaces; and

WHEREAS, the AFT also knows that locals in communities and states without collective bargaining also need support to establish policies that create family-friendly workplaces; and

WHEREAS, there is public recognition of the common goals that exist between the AFT and community groups on issues pertaining to quality public education; family-friendly workplaces; and accessible, affordable healthcare that leads to improved public health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, family-friendly workplaces in our communities support greater parent involvement in education and greater public involvement in the support of high-quality services:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will work together with organizations fighting for modern workplace policies that support family life and public health with the goal of:

• Strengthening community efforts on workplace policies in states where non-bargaining units are located;
  
• Providing information on cost-neutral policies that might be adopted in collective bargaining agreements, such as flexible time, alternative uses for FMLA and other work rules; and
  
• Educating workers in both bargaining and non-bargaining situations to "Know their Rights" on existing work-family policies; and
  

RESOLVED, that the AFT will assist in disseminating LPWF materials and other resources to affiliates and members; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will encourage local and state affiliates to participate in state and local coalitions on work and family legislative and policy issues; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to support federal legislation that supports working families, such as parental leave, paid family leave, paid maternity leave, paid sick days and flexible work hours.