BUILDING A STRONG UNION

As part of the largest union for state agency and higher education employees, WFSE/AFSCME members speak with a proud and strong collective voice.  Union membership is the key to accessing that pride and strength.

WFSE/AFSCME is a highly democratic  union.  Union members make  important decisions - from setting priorities for contract negotiations and endorsing legislative candidates to planning job actions and changing the way the union itself is organized.

That’s why union membership is the first step in making the most out of WFSE representation.

Membership allows state workers to take part in the decisions that steer the union. Union membership is personally empowering; it also connects state employees to the worldwide historical movement of working people standing up for their right to negotiate for fair wages and working conditions.

If you’re not a WFSE member, we invite you to come on board.

WHERE DOES OUR DUES MONEY GO?

Our monthly dues are divided among four sectors:

• Our statewide organization - WFSE Council 28, approx. 65%;
  
• Our national organization - AFSCME, approx. 25%;
  
• Our locals - approx. 9%;
  
• Our local central labor councils - AFL-CIO, approx. 1%.

WHAT SUPPORT DO WE GET FROM EACH LEVEL?

• WFSE/AFSCME Council 28 is your union. Full-time staff represent you before the state Legislature, in negotiations with state agencies, before boards and commissions (PEBB and PERC), and in grievance procedures.
  
  Representatives assist you in your work-related problems. The union provides resources on public affairs, classification and pay issues and in combating contracting-out.

• AFSCME International, based in Washington, D.C., coordinates the union’s actions on major national issues such as privatization, health care and work safety.
  
  The International carries out certain national functions such as representing us in the U.S. Congress and coordinating political activities for federal elections. It also provides resources and expertise in areas such as collective bargaining, political action and organizing.
  
  AFSCME’s Power to Win plan represents an effort to build more member participation; hold politicians accountable; increase our membership; expand the organizational capacity of our affiliates; make affordable health care universal; and project a proud, bold image for public services and our union.

• WFSE Locals serve to connect members and provide the platform for members to bring their issues to Council 28 as resolutions.  Local unions provide mailings, newsletters and websites for their members.  They support collective bargaining, organizing and other job action activities.

• AFL-CIO, through Local Central Labor Councils, is where members at the local level work with other AFL-CIO affiliated unions on issues affecting all working women and men.