WHEREAS:

Six years ago AFSCME convention delegates approved a minimum dues program designed to guarantee that district councils, the basic servicing organization of the union, would have financing adequate to carry out their responsibilities to members; and

WHEREAS:

At that same convention delegates assured by their approval of the minimum dues structure that local unions would also be protected against inflation by receiving a share of all minimum dues increases, along with the International union; and

WHEREAS:

In the four years that constitutional provision has operated AFSCME organizing drives, collective bargaining efforts and legislative and political activities have successfully achieved their objectives of protecting members' interests and improving their working conditions, in good part due to the guarantee of adequate financing; and

WHEREAS:

It now appears appropriate to initiate a review of the experiences and results of the operations of the minimum dues system during the past four years.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International President shall appoint, with the approval of the International Executive Board, a study commission that will be broadly representative of AFSCME; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the Commission shall review all suggestions and proposed changes submitted to it, as well as those submitted to this 26th International Convention in the form of resolutions and proposed constitutional amendments which would affect the minimum dues structure, and shall conduct a series of hearings to ascertain members' views on the subject; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the Commission shall be provided appropriate staff assistance and logistic support by the International for its study and any hearings it may hold; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the Commission shall adopt a study schedule that will assure the completion of its deliberations and preparation of a report to be submitted to the International Executive Board no later than January 1, 1986; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Executive Board shall review the Commission's report, findings and recommendations if any, and shall submit with necessary amendments to the 27th International Convention.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board