During the Canadian Conference in 2004, a resolution was adopted recognizing those members within our rank and file who may have "special needs" due to specific infirmaties. The following is the resolution presented by Local 293, Hamilton Musicians Guild.
Resolution
Whereas; It is estimated that 20% of our population will have disabilities within the next two decades,
And whereas; Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination because of handicap or perceived handicap in the social areas of employment, services, goods, facilities, housing, contracts and membership in trade and vocational associations. This right means that persons with disabilities have the right to equal treatment, which includes the right to accessible workplaces, public transit, health services, restaurants, shops and housing.
And whereas; The Ontario government introduced Bill 125, Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Being; An Act to improve the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by persons with disabilities and to make related amendments to other Acts is the title of Bill 125.
And whereas; the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (“ the Canadian Office”) is committed to:
· providing quality service
· Continual improvement of access to Local facilities and services
Be it Resolved that; the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (“ the Canadian Office”) recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to equal treatment without discrimination. A disability including but not limited to:
-any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
-a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
-a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
-a mental disorder, or
-an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Also be it Resolved that; the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (“ the Canadian Office”) will assess the needs of the Canadian Office to accommodate the stakeholders of the Federation (“the musicians”) and will develop a basic policy and will encourage the same of` all locals throughout Canada.
Also be it Resolved that; the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (“ the Canadian Office”) will report back to the 2004 Canadian Conference on the disposition of this resolution.
Respectfully submitted,
Local 293, Hamilton Musician’s Guild
Our brothers and sisters in the United States concurred with our observations and at the 2005 AFM Convention they to passed a hybrid version of this resolution which reads:
Resolution:
Whereas; it is estimated that a substantial percentage of our aging population will have disabilities within the next two decades,
And whereas; it is universally recognized that everyone has the right to be free from discrimination because of handicap or perceived handicap in the social areas of employment, services, goods, facilities, housing, contracts and membership in trade and vocational associations. This right means that persons with disabilities have the right to equal treatment, which includes the right to accessible workplaces, public transit, health services, restaurants, shops and housing.
Being a resolution; to improve the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by persons with disabilities
And whereas; the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is committed to:
§ Providing quality service
§ Continual improvement of access to local facilities and service
§ Improving the quality of life for its members and stakeholders
And whereas; on the 22nd day of June, 2003, the Canadian Conference of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada adopted a similar resolution for Canada,
Be it Resolved that; the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to equal treatment without discrimination. A disability including but not limited to:
Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement hat is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes, mellitus, epilepsy, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
A mental disorder, or
An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under Federal, State or municipal legislation.
Also be it Resolved that; the American Federation of Msicians of the United States and Canada will assess the needs of the Federation offices to accommodate the stakeholders and employees of the Federation; and will effect those changes that may be required, within a reasonable period of time;
Also be it Resolved that; the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, in consultation with the Diversity Council will develop a guideline and will encourage its adoption by all locals within the United States.
Now that the United States and Canada has a warm and fuzzy feeling taking solace with the knowledge that we are progressive and sensitive to the needs of others, what's next?
The task of developing an implementation plan will be co ordinated through this committee with input from the membership. The Canadian Diversity Committee will be contacting all the locals requesting input for consideration. If you have ANY ideas or suggestions, please contact John Staley at johnstaley@mountaincable.net
All participation is welcome!
Please take a few moments to read your resolution in detail