AFSCME Executive Board Summary Report
This report summarizes the March 2012 quarterly meeting of the AFSCME International Executive Board, held in Washington, DC.
Pres. Gerald W. McEntee, Pres. Barack Obama and Sec.-Treas. Lee Saunders. (Photo by The White House)
Pres. Gerald W. McEntee, Sec.-Treas. Lee Saunders and AFSCME’s international vice presidents met with President Obama and Senior Adviser David Plouffe at the White House during the board’s quarterly meeting. President Obama echoed the economic message he’s been sharing with Congress and the American people, saying that he will continue fighting to ensure the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share in taxes. He focused on the need for job growth in the country, as well as job training programs, and a robust education system that prepares students for the jobs demanded by the current global economy.
At the AFSCME board meeting, international vice presidents were briefed on state legislative battles and public sector pensions. They were also briefed on the re-enactment of the Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights.
The board welcomed special guests Republican Sen. Mike Fasano of Florida, who stood with workers to fight privatization in his state, and Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Pres. Mahlon Mitchell, a candidate for lieutenant governor in Wisconsin’s upcoming recall elections.
New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli addressed the group and called for a national dialogue to restore retirement security. The IEB adopted a resolution to this effect.
They also adopted a resolution extending condolences to the family of Trayvon Martin, a teenager shot to death in Florida. It included a call to repeal Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which undermines the role of public safety officers.
Looking ahead to this year’s elections and ballot initiatives, President McEntee said that “AFSCME activists stand ready to change the electoral landscape this fall.” AFSCME members previously endorsed President Obama in his re-election campaign against Mitt Romney.
McEntee commended AFSCME members for collecting more than enough signatures to repeal Michigan’s “local dictator” law and to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, his lieutenant governor and four state senators this summer.
The IEB approved a set of recommendations by the Election Rules and Procedures Review Committee for this summer’s 40th International Convention. The report was based on testimony from AFSCME members who attended hearings across the country.
“They have a deep and abiding interest in making sure our elections are fair, open and transparent,” said International Vice Pres. Joe Rugola, committee chair. “We made substantive changes governing each of those areas, with the purpose of ensuring every delegate’s vote is made freely and counted accurately.”
Members’ concerns focused primarily on bloc voting regulations, election observers and the nominations process. These recommendations will be voted on by the Convention delegates following deliberation by the Convention’s Rules and Election committees.
