WHEREAS:
The 23rd International Convention in 1979 adopted the current minimum dues system which was designed to guarantee that:
Councils, which are the basic servicing body of the Union, would be financed adequately to perform their responsibilities and provide appropriate service for the membership;
Local unions would be protected against inflation by assuring the locals a share of all minimum dues increases;
The International Union would have sufficient financial stability to meet the challenges of the 1980s in conducting massive organizing drives as new collective bargaining laws were enacted, to engage in significant legislative and political activities, to support collective bargaining activities, and to inform the public of AFSCME programs; and
WHEREAS:
This adequate financing was at least a good part responsible for the ability of AFSCME members throughout the country, including those recently organized, to benefit as a result of improved wages, conditions and benefits; and
WHEREAS:
Delegates at the 26th International Convention in 1984 adopted Resolution 192, thereby deciding that it was appropriate to initiate a review of the experiences and results of the operations of the minimum dues system since its inception on January 1, 1979; and
WHEREAS:
The International President appointed, with the approval of the International Executive Board, a Study Commission of 19 members that was broadly representative of AFSCME, with appropriate staff assistance and logistic support provided by the International Union; and
WHEREAS:
The Study Commission reviewed all suggestions and proposed changes submitted to it, as well as those submitted to the 26th International Convention in the form of resolutions and proposed constitutional amendments which would affect the minimum dues structure, and conducted six field hearings to ascertain members' views on the subject; and
WHEREAS:
The Study Commission completed its deliberations and submitted its findings in the form of a Report and Recommendations to the International Executive Board prior to January 1, 1986; and
WHEREAS:
The International Executive Board reviewed the Study Commission's findings in its Report and Recommendations to the 27th International Convention that it finds are necessary and appropriate to carry out these recommendations; and
WHEREAS:
The Study Commission also found that there is considerable support throughout the Union or a dues system with a minimum based on hourly rates of pay or a percentage of earnings. However, the Study Commission also concluded that there are many potential problems which may occur in the implementation of either system, and that further study is required before either system can be recommended; and
WHEREAS:
The International Executive Board agrees that a system with a minimum based on hourly wages or a percentage of earnings is desirable if the Potential difficulties can be overcome.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the International President shall appoint, with the approval of the International Executive Board, A Task Force that will be broadly representative of AFSCME to study and investigate the feasibility of the Union adopting a percentage or hourly system of minimum dues; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Task Force shall be provided appropriate staff assistance and logistic support by the International Union for its necessary and appropriate activities, including the collection of financial data from affiliated councils and locals in order to determine the level of support necessary for financial stability at all levels of the Union, as well as the ability of these affiliated bodies to administer such a system and the willingness of employers to cooperate in its implementation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Task Force shall adopt a schedule that will assure the completion of its deliberations and the preparation of its findings in the form of a Report and Recommendations to be submitted to the international Executive Board no later than December 31, 1987; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the International Executive Board shall review the Task Force's Report and Recommendations and shall submit any appropriate amendments to the 28th International Convention.
SUBMITTED BY:
International Executive Board