Preface: Our Union's Mission, Our Members' Rights
When we fight, we win - AFSCME International Union Convention Theme, 2006AFSCME’s Mission
The mission of our union is spelled out in Article II of the International Constitution, and it includes:
- Organizing workers in general, public employees in particular
- Promoting the welfare of AFSCME members and providing a voice in determining the terms and conditions of employment by using the collective bargaining process, as well as legislative and political action
- Promoting civil service legislation and career service in government
- Assisting AFSCME members and affiliates through research and education
- Fostering cooperation among affiliates
- Cooperating with labor organizations and other groups toward the goals of a just distribution of America’s material riches and a realization of the moral promise of American life
- Working with union members in other countries toward the improvement of life and work in all countries, reducing the use of armed force in resolving disputes, and toward solidarity of all workers
The Rights of AFSCME Members
As guaranteed by the Bill of Rights for Union Members in the International Constitution, all AFSCME members have the right to:
- Join/become members regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or
political belief - Exercise freedom of speech in union affairs
- Conduct the union’s business free from employer domination
- Expect fair and democratic elections
- Run for and hold union office
- Receive a full accounting of all union funds
- Participate fully, through discussion and vote, in the union’s decision-making processes
- Receive due process and a fair trial (when charges are made against an officer or member based on grounds provided in the International Constitution)