WHEREAS:
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) represents more than 1.4 million public service workers and retirees in both the public and private sectors who work to deliver essential services in communities across the nation; and
WHEREAS:
Decisions made by the United States Congress and the federal government directly affect funding for public services, worker protections, retirement security, health care, infrastructure, education, emergency response and countless other programs relied upon by AFSCME members and the public; and
WHEREAS:
Anti-worker politicians, privatization interests and corporate special interests continue to threaten public services, outsource public sector jobs, cut funding and undermine the rights of working people; and
WHEREAS:
The most powerful and persuasive messengers to elected officials are the workers who perform vital public services every day and the union members who live and vote in their districts; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME’s strength is rooted not only in collective bargaining, but also in organized legislative and political action, member engagement, and the ability of members to speak directly to policymakers about how federal decisions impact workers and communities; and
WHEREAS:
A Political Action Liaison Program can develop trained member activists in congressional districts nationwide who are prepared to build relationships with members of Congress, communicate AFSCME priorities, educate fellow members, mobilize co-workers and serve as trusted voices for public service workers.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME, its councils and affiliated locals commit themselves to building and expanding a union-wide Political Action Liaison Program to strengthen our collective political power, amplify the voices of members before Congress, and educate members about the direct connection between federal policy decisions and the quality of their jobs, wages, benefits, public services and local communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the program shall recruit, train and support union members to serve as Political Action Liaisons, or PALs, assigned in each congressional district in the country who shall work in coordination with AFSCME political staff, councils and locals to communicate union positions, share members’ workplace experiences, advocate for legislation and funding priorities, oppose harmful attacks on public services and workers, and regularly engage elected officials through meetings, letters, phone calls, district events, worksite conversations and other forms of advocacy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the program shall prioritize developing rank-and-file leadership, increasing member participation in political action, and creating sustainable grassroots networks capable of rapid mobilization on federal issues affecting jobs, benefits and public services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That affiliates are also encouraged to engage PALs in state and local legislative efforts because our union can have an impact on decisions made in local communities if we work to ensure alignment and continuity in our advocacy across jurisdictions; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME shall use the Political Action Liaison Program to help protect and expand quality public services, defend union jobs, strengthen worker rights and ensure that the voices of working people are heard loudly and clearly in the halls of Congress.
SUBMITTED BY:
Mary E. Sullivan, President and Delegate
Stacey Baldwin Deyo, Secretary and Delegate
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)/AFSCME Local 1000
New York