News News impacting public employee union members convention - day 2   AFSCME delegates pass 21st Century Initiative
Bold reform plan will power public union’s political action program, fund new organizing drives, open leadership institute, mobilize 40,000-member activist army nationwide

Aug. 9, 2006 - Although the hard work started immediately on Tuesday—with delegates to the AFSCME Convention debating the details of the sweeping “21st Century” proposals to expand the union’s organizing capacity and launch a national “public image” campaign on behalf of public workers—a visit by New York Senator Hillary Clinton provided an inspirational break.

Kathy Stewart, Donna Westrick, and Sharon Brown sport t-shirts that offer a new twist on the traditional AFSCME-green ones. MORE PHOTOS

OCSEA President Ron Alexander asks delegates to support resolution calling for action on federal funding for state jobs programs.

Delegates voiced unanimous, strong support for the 21st Century concepts, but then had to struggle with hard decisions about how to accommodate these new programs in the AFSCME International budget.

Delegates participated in a floor debate and mid-morning passed an amendment to the union’s national constitution that will increase the per capita dues OCSEA and other affiliates and councils pay to the national body.

However, unlike much of AFSCME, OCSEA members will not be directly affected by the amendment because it has a separate constitution and dues structure. OCSEA leaders believe that by careful, conservative budgeting no changes are needed in its dues for the foreseeable future.

Delegates passed several resolutions calling for continuing work to protect Social Security and make health care a top topic for political action. Delegates also called for stepped up action to get adequate funding for state and federal employment programs.

Sen. Clinton took time to thank public workers for the work they have done in helping the nation recover from national disasters like Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina.

She also called on AFSCME to unleash a mighty get-out-the-vote drive this November. Reminding delegates that that a huge majority of Americans believe the nation is on a wrong track, she urged union-members to reach out to disgruntled citizens.

“Let them know that that anyone who fails to vote loses the right to complain,” said Clinton.

In the afternoon, pro-union radio talk show host Ed Schultz also addressed the gathering and lauded the 21st Century proposal to raise $60 million over the next three years to elect pro-worker politicians and accelerate organizing efforts.

OCSEA delegates and guests have one of the most popular booths at the union selling buttons, t-shirts and other union-related gear as a fundraiser for PEOPLE, the union’s political action committee.

Click on the thumbnail images below to view larger images or browse the photo album now (macromedia flash plug-in required).

	Ron Alexander asks delegates to support resolution calling for action on federal funding for state jobs programs.
	Penny Bakle helps delegate with purchase of political pin at OCSEA's convention booth.
	Carol Bowshier and Jim Larocca discuss a convention resolution.
	New York Senator Hillary R. Clinton applauds public employee union members.
	Lonnie Blackwell (seated) represented OCSEA retirees at the convention.
	Kathy Stewart, Donna Westrick, and Sharon Brown sport tie-dye PEOPLE t-shirts that offer a new twist on the traditional AFSCME-green ones.

See Related

AFSCME 37th International Convention Website

AFSCME Press Release - Aug. 8, 2006

Aug. 8 Photo Gallery - The photograph albums below require Macromedia Flash Media Player to view. Download now.

Day 1: OCSEA leaders represent members at AFSCME convention this week