WHEREAS:

Article IX Section 9 of the International Constitution permits but does not require local unions to collect initiation or reinstatement fees up to $25.00; and

WHEREAS:

Article IX Section 10 of the International Constitution requires that the fiscal officer of local unions forward one-half of these fees to the International; and

WHEREAS:

These fees, due to their permissive nature, are not directly connected with the International union's administrative costs in regards to new or reinstated members; and

WHEREAS:

Initiation and reinstatement fees have been a hardship to many new or low-wage members; and

WHEREAS:

Local unions may reduce initiation and reinstatement fees below the $25.00 maximum.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International Executive Board study the issue of initiation or reinstatement fees; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Executive Board report its findings and conclusions to the membership prior to the 35th International Convention; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the International Executive Board shall consider submitting a constitutional amendment at the 35th International Convention on the issue of initiation and reinstatement fees.

SUBMITTED BY:

Libbie Soden, President and Delegate
Georgia Perez, Secretary and Delegate 
AFSCME Local 113, Council 2
Washington