Dear Union Sisters and Brothers:
I want to reach out to each and every member to let you know that your union is very serious about fighting against the State's attempts to destroy our livelihoods and our communities. I'm writing to let you know about the activities that your Executive Committee has been involved in since our election.
What we have been doing
Although I knew a great deal about the Union occupational groups when I was elected, I am making special efforts to know more about each Occupational Group: their issues and concerns, and the facilities and settings in which they work. The occupations of our Union are complrised of a wonderful group of hard-working people who, day after day, perform essential social services to citizens of our State. Our Vice-Presidents are beginning to activate and communicate with our members and our Secretary has been recording meeting notes and locating and reviewing minutes of the past two years.
About Finances:
Right now, under the excellent leadership of our Treasurer, Cozette Moysa, the Executive Committee is taking a hard look at the finances of our Union. When our fiscal analysis is complete, we will be able to determine how to get the "best bang for our buck", and how to make responsible plans for our financial future. We take our fiduciary role very seriously, and will spend your dues money carefully and well. We know that these are difficult times for all of us, and we pledge to use every dollar we receive efficiently and well. Along with our review of our financial status, we are investigating how to refund any overpaid dues as a result of the furloughs.
About Political Clout
Along with working with Cozette to get a handle on our financial resources, I have been meeting with union lobbyists, including Willie Pelote, Assistant Director of the Political Action Department of AFSCME International, to determine what will be the most effective and powerful ways to fight back against the State's attacks on Union members. I have also been meeting with Carl London from the Rose & Kindell firm, our paid political lobbyist, to determine which direction we need to go to make purposeful political decisions for all occupations represented by our Union.
Our Local is the largest Local of AFSCME in the State of California, with over 5,000 members. We have clout that I believe has been underutilized due to both internal and external fighting. I am determined to bring us together within our Local, and to align Local 2620 with other Unions in AFSCME, as well as other State Unions. Without aligning ourselves with our Union sisters and brothers, the community, and politicians, we greatly undercut our political clout.
I met with Department of Personnel (DPA) representatives recently. Based on the State's financial condition, it is not in the best interests of our members to restart Contract negotiations at this time. It is clear that we have more to lose than to gain in this bleak economy. However, DPA representatives agreed to meet with Union representatives and Department heads to solve non-monetary concerns. This is an opportunity for us to bring our worksite issues to a higher level. This step will help management to understand that we are not isolated, and that they cannot ignore the abuse of workers' rights.
About Business Agents
Our Business Agents, Bob Battle (southern-(800) 698-6553-robert.battle@ca.afscme57.org),
Pam Manwiller (northern-(800) 858-0442-pam.manwiller@ca.afscme57.org) and Cliff Tillman central-(800) 858-0442-cliff.tillman@ca.afscme57.org) are working hard on your behalf. These are the people who work tirelessly to address the daily concerns you have in your work place, meeting with management and solving work site problems. They are there to help us, and we respect and acknowledge all the hard work they do for members of our Local. Please feel free to call on them for their support and expertise.
About the Governor
The Governor will surely be renewing his attack on State workers come January due to the recently announcement of a $21 billion dollar deficit. Faced with this deficit, I am supporting a survey of our members to come out soon to find ways to save money and help insure the stability of our jobs. I hope you will take a moment or two to respond to the survey questions. We need to be ready and planning every day for the attacks that are sure to come.
About You
What can you do to help? First, continue to build our Union - have meetings, create action plans, and get help and support from your Union leadership. Reach out to members who have not heard from our Union, and don't know what we are doing. That was the number one complaint I heard before the election!
For those of you who are activists, it's important to remember that your co-workers and members can strengthen you - talk to them when you are discouraged. Listen to your members, understand their issues, and give them your best advice and support, and meet with your management about work issues. In addition, meet with your local politicians and tell them about the value of State workers in the communities you serve. We will help you to arrange those meetings. Think of yourself as a leader - and your whole life can change!
Our recent election (see results at www.afscme2620.org) proved that you the members want big change in our Union - and we intend to deliver that. I am looking for every option to beat the Governor at his own game. I ask for your ideas, your strength and your wisdom.
I am eager to come to your work sites and to speak with each one of you. Please let me know when you're meetings are occurring and I will do my best to attend.
Together we are strong!
Steve Shanahan, President
AFSCME 2620
s.r.shanahan@att.net
