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AFSCME Board Affirms AFL-CIO Political Initiative

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Miami, Florida

Political education to inform AFSCME members and their families on issues—and rally members to action for the upcoming political campaigns—was the top discussion item at the recent International Executive Board meeting. The meeting was the first of 1996, and was held February 14 and 15. AFSCME Pres. Gerald W. McEntee chairs the AFL-CIO Political Education Commit-tee, and has been instrumental in shaping the AFL-CIO's political programs for 1996.

Unionizing Doctors

As part of an ongoing effort to bring the benefits of trade unionism to salaried doctors providing public health care services, the board approved an affiliation agreement with the Doctors Council of the District of Columbia and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees.

Increasing Financial Accountability

The board voted to recommend the ratification of a constitutional amendment that would require each local and council to adopt an annual budget, prepare quarterly financial statements, and provide copies to the International Secretary-Treasurer. This amendment would stiffen current financial reporting requirements in Article VI, Section 12.

Recommendations to AFL-CIO

The board also adopted several resolutions and recommended their approval by the AFL-CIO Executive Council at the winter meeting. Resolutions:

  • Called for the elimination of corporate welfare—$800 billion in federal tax breaks, subsidies, and other benefits for corporations; supported passage of the Corporate Responsibility Act (HR 2534), and called on the AFL-CIO to mount a campaign to educate the public on the issue;
  • Denounced a National Governors' Association resolution calling for changes in Medicaid and Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) that would undermine the safety net;
  • Denounced recommendations of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations that would exempt public employees from OSHA coverage, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act;
  • Urged resumption of the quest for a peaceful solution for Ireland and called on all parties to reaffirm commitments to reject violence and resume negotiations.
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