WHEREAS:
Checkoff is a system for AFSCME members to voluntarily contribute to the PEOPLE fund through payroll deductions; and
WHEREAS:
PEOPLE checkoff continues to be the best and most dependable way to raise PEOPLE money because income can be planned and allocated in the most efficient manner; and
WHEREAS:
Where voluntary checkoff has been established, AFSCME members throughout the country have responded well and continue their deduction year after year and are also politically active at federal, state and local levels; and
WHEREAS:
The need to raise voluntary funds is becoming even more crucial, now that right wing, corporate, banking and other special interest groups are raising huge sums of money to elect politicians who desperately want to undo the social progress and programs of the last 50 years; and
WHEREAS:
In many jurisdictions, despite repeated efforts, AFSCME members have been unable to get agreements allowing for voluntary PEOPLE payroll deductions. The Electronic Funds Transfer System (EFTS) is now available as an alternative when payroll deduction is not possible.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That all councils, locals and retiree chapters of AFSCME without PEOPLE checkoff rights be urged by this Convention to seek an administrative agreement, contract clause or legislation where necessary to establish voluntary PEOPLE checkoff for their members; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That in jurisdictions where checkoff has been established, affiliates re-double their efforts to set a minimum goal of 10% at the Presidents Club/VIP level, and to follow through with programs to achieve their goals. Those affiliates currently at or above 10% participation at the VIP level should strive to increase their participation by 5%; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That all councils, locals and retiree chapters in AFSCME that do not have PEOPLE voluntary checkoff rights at the present time, and will not be able to get them, take steps to implement an Electronic Funds Transfer System (EFTS) that will provide a similar, easy mechanism for AFSCME members to participate in the PEOPLE Program in a regular ongoing method; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the AFSCME PEOPLE Program should be prepared to assist all councils, locals and retiree chapters in their efforts to promote and sign up members.
SUBMITTED BY:
Jan Corderman, President and Delegate
Cheryl Hannah, Secretary-Treasurer
AFSCME Council 61
Iowa