WHEREAS:
It is difficult to secure good collective bargaining agreements in an increasingly hostile political and economic environment; and
WHEREAS:
When affiliates have successfully mobilized their members, our union has been able to defend the gains of the past and negotiate first-rate contracts; and
WHEREAS:
The successful mobilization of members must begin with planning long before negotiations begin and must continue with good communications and innovative tactics throughout the bargaining process; and
WHEREAS:
When AFSCME members have been alerted to the challenge before them and educated about the need for their direct involvement, they have answered the call to battle; and
WHEREAS:
An effective contract campaign also requires a range of creative tactics that can bring pressure to bear on the employer based on effective research, building community support, media outreach and use of regulatory agencies; and
WHEREAS:
Our organizing victories have put us into an increasing number of first contract campaigns; and
WHEREAS:
Those campaigns, because they help define the union and set the tone for our relationship with management, are important to the future of those affiliates engaging in them; and
WHEREAS:
The contract campaigns following the big organizing victories in Kentucky, Missouri, Puerto Rico, and at the University of Maryland provide an opportunity for our affiliates to lay a strong base for their futures in those locales.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That all affiliates be encouraged to marshal the resources and to develop the organizing research, communication, and tactical skills to carry out their own full-fledged contract campaigns; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the International Union provide training and technical support to affiliates who need assistance in getting their contract campaign program off the ground; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME recognizes that in order to fulfill our mission of winning the best possible contracts, it is imperative that members be directly involved in the contract fights; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME affiliates are encouraged to exchange information on tactics and strategy and to provide mutual support in waging contract campaigns.
SUBMITTED BY:
Roberta Lynch, Delegate
AFSCME Council 31
Illinois