WHEREAS:

            A Conservative Caucus was seated during the 2010 AFSCME Convention; and

WHEREAS:

            We as a union must have a fair and balanced approach to all issues and receive input from the broadest possible spectrum of members; and

WHEREAS:

            AFSCME’s membership is the finest expression of the diversity in America; and

WHEREAS:

            An important part of AFSCME’s diversity are the members who self-identify as progressives; and

WHEREAS:

            A Progressive Caucus will provide members with a valuable means of self- expression and contribute to achievement of resounding bipartisan support for and passage of crucial legislation, such as voluntary paycheck deduction for PEOPLE and protection of full rights to engage in union communications in the workplace; and

WHEREAS:

            AFSCME as a whole could benefit from a better understanding of the needs and concerns of its members who self-identify as progressives.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME create a working group of affiliate leaders and members, staffed by the Political Action Department, to study and report on ways to address the concerns of progressive members, and to enhance their identification with their union.  The working group will prepare a report for the International Executive Board; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME creates a Progressive Caucus for the next International Convention; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME fully funds and maintains the Progressive Caucus at levels comparable to that of the Conservative Caucus.