AFSCME in Chicago – YES to a Bigger, Better, Bolder AFSCME

by   |  August 09, 2006

Yesterday at AFSCME's 37th International Convention, members spoke loudly and clearly for change, passing key components of the 21st Century Initiative -- the most far-reaching reform plan in our union’s history. The support, while not unanimous from the nearly 3,500 delegates, was certainly overwhelming. Members said YES to more political power; YES to more organizing; YES to a new leadership institute; YES to mobilizing a 40,000-member activist army; YES to stopping the attacks on public services and taking back America for working people. In the words of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee in yesterday’s keynote address: “Let us get bigger, better, and bolder … together! To fund the plan, delegates passed a $3 per month dues increase (phased in over three years) that will raise $60 million. $24 million will go directly to AFSCME grassroots affiliates. The other $36 million will fund priority national campaigns, “get out the vote” political efforts and legislative battles to defeat measures that seek to privatize public services. You can check out today's convention newsletter for more details about yesterday events, which also included speeches by Senatory Hillary Clinton and progressive talk radio host Ed Schultz.