(Jefferson City, MO) Dozens of State Employees represented by AFSCME Council 72 came together in Jefferson City to begin organizing for upcoming contract negotiations with the State of Missouri. While in Jefferson City AFSCME leaders and activist focused on building the union’s strength in three key areas: contract negotiations, organizing members, and political action.
Bargaining a strong contract
AFSCME leaders outlined a plan of action for negotiating a fair and strong contract with the State of Missouri. Members focused on negotiating policies that will allow them to deliver quality public services in a safe work environment. During the hours of discussion and planning the members identified several high priority areas; recognizing the value of workers with seniority and experience, the ability of workers to use sick leave and compensatory time free of management harassment, binding arbitration of grievances, controlling members health care costs, the choice of compensatory time or payment for overtime worked, and improving the safety standards for workers and clients.
Building Our Strength in the Shop
Leaders developed strategies for increasing union strength and membership in the workplace. Over 30 of the participants signed up as Volunteer Member Organizers (VMO) to help build power in the workplace and increase union membership in every local union.
Taking Political Action
As part of AFSCME Council 72’s expanding Political Action program Missouri State Workers debriefed the 2008 General Election, and looked towards 2010. Members discussed AFSCME’s successes in 2008 including the landslide victory of AFSCME Council 72’s top targeted candidate Governor Jay Nixon.
Members also identified their top political priorities for expanding AFSCME Council 72’s influence in the political arena. AFSCME leaders identified multiple priorities for their political program including having State Legislators make visits to the worksite to see the quality services AFSCME members provide. Leaders recognized the need for a large presence at our April 22nd state-wide lobby day as a top priority and stepped up with 30 commitments to attend. Leaders also made commitments to bring their co-workers to the capital and advocate for the services AFSCME members provide.
