The swine flu outbreak, and its potential to become a deadly pandemic, reminds us again that experts have been warning that the world is overdue for an influenza pandemic—and we need to be prepared.

Scientific predictions of an avian or other type of flu pandemic emerged several years ago—but the Bush administration's "Pandemic Influenza Plan" did not address protecting front-line workers. The AFL-CIO and affiliated unions released a new report in April 2009 urging immediate steps be taken to protect worker health and safety during pandemic influenza.

• Report: "Healthcare Workers in Peril, Preparing to Protect Worker Health and Safety During Pandemic Influenza" (PDF).
  
  
• Read comments the AFL-CIO submitted to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Draft Revised Interim Public Health Guidance on the Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators by Health Care Personnel and Members of the Public During an Influenza Pandemic (PDF).

Fact Sheets

•   Basic facts about pandemic flu.
•   Worker protection and infection control.
•   Respirators: One way of protecting workers.
•   Infection control for health care workers.
•   How unions can prepare the workplace for pandemic flu.
  

Get the Latest on Swine Flu

The World Health Organization (WHO) on April 29, 2009, raised the threat of widespread human infection from the outbreak of swine flu to its second-highest level. The outbreak of swine flu originated in Mexico and is now spreading throughout the United States and around the globe.

But as an April 2009 report released by the AFL-CIO and several unions warned, the nation’s health care workers—the first line of defense against the diseases—are at risk because many the nation’s health care facilities are not prepared to deal with a pandemic. The report, which surveyed 104 health care facilities in 14 states, found that while health care facilities have made some progress in preparing for an influenza pandemic, much more needs to be done.

• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) online for swine flu updates.
• Check out WHO's background on swine flu.
• Read the CDC's key facts about swine flu.
  

Protecting First Responders

In the event of an outbreak, health care workers, firefighters, police officers, emergency service workers and other first responders will be on the front lines of responding to this emergency. If and when an outbreak occurs, it is imperative that the necessary resources and equipment are immediately available to protect first responders from the deadly virus.

• Read the AFL-CIO Executive Council statement on Emergency Action Needed to Protect Health Care Workers and First Responders from Pandemic Flu.
• Read frequently asked questions about influenza at the AFSCME website.

Find out about avian flu and influenza pandemics.

• Read an OSHA fact sheet on avian flu.
  

Health Care Workers

• Read the pandemic action plan by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee.
• Read United American Nurses on "Infectious Disease: Nurses on the Front Lines."
• Read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for infection control in facilities treating infected patients.
• Read WHO guidelines for health care facilities.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has released an excellent pandemic plan with good worker protection measures. Download the Veterans Affairs Pandemic Influenza Plan (PDF).
• Read the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Revised Interim Guidance on Planning for the Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators in Health Care Settings during an Influenza Pandemic (October 2006).
  

Emergency Responders

• Bulletin for first responders.
  

Schools

• Read the AFT flu fact sheet (PDF).
• Check out the CDC's school preparedness FAQs.
• Download the U.S. Department of Education's Planning Guide for Educators (PDF).

Airline Flight Crews

• Swine Flu: What Flight Attendants Need to Know.
• Air Safety. Health and Security Updates.
• Read an article on avian flu from the AFA-CWA.

Public Employees

• H1N1 flu and California School Employees Association members.
  

Postal Workers

• Read the informational page on avian flu from the Postal Workers.
  

Sheet Metal Workers

• Read the Sheet Metal Workers fact sheet on swine flu preparation.
  

Amalgamated Transit Union

• Swine Influenza and You.
  
  

Machinists

• Safety and Health: Swine Flu Resources.
  
  

United Steelworkers

• Swine Flu: Threats and Prevention.
  
  

United Transportation Union

• Swine Flu: Questions and Answers.