WHEREAS:

            The affiliation of independent associations, much like organizing, plays a major role for increasing our membership while expanding the diversity which has made AFSCME the vibrant union that it is today. This growth has made us the largest public employee union in the United States and moves us toward our goal of becoming the largest AFL-CIO union; and

WHEREAS:

            Since our last convention we have affiliated seven formerly independent organizations. These new affiliates increase our strength, not only in numbers but in expansion of the geographic reach and influence of our union; and

WHEREAS:

            The affiliation of Puerto Rico Union General de Trabajadores (UGT) has provided UGT an opportunity to embark on a major organizing campaign for Puerto Rico's public employees, a group that is currently unorganized; and

WHEREAS:

The affiliation of the United Domestic Workers of America in the state of California opens up new opportunities for organizing in the health care provider field. There is a potential for organizing 50 to 60 thousand home care workers in that state alone; and

WHEREAS:

            The recent affiliation of the State of Nevada Employees Association, at a time when collective bargaining rights for state employees appears possible, creates new possibilities for organizing in Nevada. During its forty years as an independent, SNEA was well-respected by other organizations in the western states and will assist us in our organizing activities; and

WHEREAS:

            In addition, the House Staff Association of Cook County Hospital, the City of Torrance California Clerical Employees, the Mental Health Services West (Portland, OR) Employees, and the Birmingham Association of City Employees have joined with AFSCME since our last convention.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

            That this 31st Constitutional Convention of AFSCME welcome these associations to our AFSCME family; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME continue to reach out to other independent organizations to explore the mutual advantages of affiliation.

SUBMITTED BY:      

Ronald C. Alexander President & Delegate
Elwood Clark, Vice President and Delegate 
Vanessa Tolliver Secretary-Treasurer &Delegate
OCSEA/AFSCME Local 11
Ohio