WHEREAS:
The Union’s strength at the bargaining table, fighting privatization, and on many other fronts is to a great extent a reflection of how well we are organized internally, whether in an agency shop or an open shop; and
WHEREAS:
In an open shop, our internal strength is directly based on membership — the larger the percentage in the union, the greater our strength; and
WHEREAS:
In agency shop, fair share and union shop situations, even where every bargaining unit worker is a full-fledged member, internal organizing to activate the membership is vitally necessary to face our challenges; and
WHEREAS:
We have analyzed and identified “best practices” for internal organizing, including:
- use of action around issues, outside the formal grievance procedure, to show and build strength in the workplace;
- targeting based on where there already exist willing activists and larger membership proportions;
- mutual reinforcement of effort between full-time servicing staff and rank-and-file leadership;
- mobilization in conjunction with collective bargaining negotiations;
- systematic record-keeping;
- frequent communication, written and one-on-one; and
- comprehensive new employee orientation.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME re-affirms its policy that internal and external organizing are co-equal emphases and priorities for the entire union; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME’s programs of education and leadership development be directed toward propagating the “best practices” in internal organizing; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the Department of Organizing and Field Services select projects embodying these “best practices” for financial and other support, particularly in open shop situations.
SUBMITTED BY: INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD