News

AFSCME Approves New Local Constitution On January 16, 2007

International President Gerald W. McEntee on January 16, 2007 approved all but one of the constitutional changes recommended by the Local 1359 Constitution Committee and overwhelming approved by the membership at the November 14, 2006 general membership meeting. The following are highlights of some of the approved changes:

• Effective 2008, the term of office for all local officers and delegates shall be 3 years. The number of union office representative positions was changed to one per office with more than 200 members. The method of selection of the election committee was also streamlined.
  
  
• Between elections, in addition to having the authority to fill a vacancy in any of the top four officer positions as well as all delegate positions, the executive board now has the authority to fill vacancies in all title series positions.
  
  
• The stipends of the four top officers have been added to - and are therefore now subject to - the constitution. The stipends were also raised for the first time in approximately 15 years to keep pace with the rise in the cost of living.
• The authority of the executive board to expend funds on behalf of the local was increased to a maximum of $500 per item. It was the first increase in 21 years and was done to keep pace with the rise in the cost of living.
  
  
• The meal/meeting allowance for members on agency business was increased for the first time in 21 years to a maximum of $25 (again to keep pace with the rise in the cost of living).
  
  
• The constitution was clarified to make evident that the local's DC 37 and Central Labor Council delegates are members of the executive board.
  
  
• AFSCME and/or DC 37 per-capita tax increases imposed upon the local and which the local is mandated to pay will be assessed upon all members equitably and only in an amount which is no greater than, and otherwise satisfies, the total tax imposed.

The one change which was not approved concerned the vote totals required to elect local delegates. Since the local's delegates are also members of the executive board, each delegate is required, under the AFSCME constitution, to receive a majority of votes cast or more than 50% of the votes (rather than simply receiving the greatest number of votes cast).

To view, read or print the current (amended) constitution, please click here. (PDF Format)*