A new AFT PSRP task force on custodial standards and staffing held its first meeting in Washington, D.C., in January 2001. In addition to PSRPs, the task force includes representatives from the AFT's health care and public employee divisions who deal with custodial issues.

The first day consisted of an in-depth seminar conducted by Ed Feldman, an engineer and national expert on facilities management. He covered a range of topics, including steps in developing staffing standards, contracting out, purchasing supplies and training. The second day featured brainstorming and discussion sessions, led by AFT staff, on four topics: collective bargaining, quality initiatives, training/professional development and privatization. Participants discussed work problems and solutions and how locals, state federations and the national union can best address issues that custodial members face. The task force will generate training and other materials for AFT's custodial members.

Another new initiative from the PSRP department is its Skills Training Network. The network consists of 10 PSRPs from around the country, who received their initial training in December during a week-long session with staff from the AFT's Union Leadership Institute. The program is designed to give the participants the skills to design and lead workshops and training on issues of importance to PSRP leaders and members.