AFSCME goes "green" at weeklong, biennial convention set for July 28 - Aug. 1

Archive of AFSCME's 38th International Convention July 28 - Aug. 1, 2008 News stories, video clips, photo galleries, and more.

July 23, 2008 - America's largest public employee union has been working hard to minimize the environmental impact of AFSCME's 38th International Convention.

OCSEA leaders will be among the 6,000 delegates and guests to arrive soon in San Francisco for the July 28 - Aug. 1 biennial event.

OCSEA is an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the 1.6-million-member public service union.

All of AFSCME's International Executive Board members— president, secretary-treasurer and 32 vice presidents—will be elected by delegates.

The delegates will also consider key policy resolutions and constitutional amendments, including measures to advance the Power to Win plan, a political mobilization plan adopted at the last convention.

Behind the scenes, AFSCME is planning a “green” convention. The union, nicknamed “the Green Machine,” for its distinctive green T-shirts and rally signs, is making a major effort to host an environmentally-friendly convention during the weeklong gathering of union activists. 

“We know the challenges posed by global climate change and other threats to our environment,” said AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee. “That’s why we decided to forego bottled water and cut down on paper products.”

According to a July 22 press release, AFSCME will continue to print resolutions, a delegate guide, a daily news update and other materials. However, many of those documents will be printed on 100-percent recycled paper, using soy-based inks and a printing company that harnesses wind power. The local printer is also a member of the Forest Stewardship Council.

Food and beverage consumption also offer enviroment-friendly changes at this biennial convention:

• Locally-grown, organic foods
• Leftover (unconsumed) food donated to local non-profit organizations
• Biodegradable and compostable dishes, utensils, plates and cups
• Reuseable "healthy" water bottles, instead of disposable bottles. The reusable bottles are free of Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate – chemicals that pose health risks.

On Wed., July 30, OCSEA convention delegates will join other AFSCME union activists from across the nation to rally in support of the University of California employees. These members of AFSCME Local 3299 are fighting to end poverty wages. Rally participants will receive rain ponchos made from recyclable, PVC-free plastic.

See Related

Local leaders to represent OCSEA members at AFSCME's 38th International Convention

AFSCME Goes Green: Plans Environmentally-Conscious, Weeklong Convention in San Francisco

38th International Convention: Important & Action-Packed

AFSCME: Power to Win! Plan

Election of convention delegates