Convention Update

Earlier this month, the BCEA sent five delegates and one alternate to AFSCME's 37th International Convention in Chicago. This weeklong event combined business, training and research into an intense experience that each of us will never forget. The motto for this year's convention was "We Fight, We Win!" and it represents the idea that when we - grouped together with a common goal - fight for fairness, equity, justice, or even representation, we have the power to win that struggle.

As with most conventions, those who come to address the delegation are the highlight and these speakers did not disappoint. From the opening address by Jimmy Smits (Activist, Emmy and Golden Globe Award Winning Actor currently on The West Wing) to the closing remarks by AFSCME President Gerald McEntee, each delegate, alternate and guest left richer for having this experience. Those that spoke to the delegation included: United State Senators Dick Durbin (Illinois), Barack Obama (Illinois), and Hillary Rodham Clinton (New York); Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm; Progressive Talk Radio Host Ed Schultz; and AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy. Each of these dignitaries spoke on the importance of public employees and how important and courageous it was to support AFSCME's 21st Century Plan and Initiatives. If you are interested in reading the speech from the Honorable Barack Obama, he has it available on his website:

The AFSCME website has the complete details for "The AFSCME 21st Century Initiative" and this can be found at:

The key points of this program are as follows:

Build more member participation. The key to a stronger union is getting more people involved. One component of the 21st Century Plan calls for a Learning Institute that will engage and train local union leadership. One way to get people involved is to educate them and give them the resources to make a difference. AFSCME has committed itself to getting resources to the Councils and Locals that will help recruit activists and mobilize people for action.

Hold politicians accountable. The political climate is increasingly against unions and working families. Through a strong union advocacy and political action, AFSCME plans to call attention to those politicians that do not support our efforts and working conditions. The 21st Century Plan calls for an increase in volunteer efforts in the political arena so that strong, principled public officials - regardless of political party - are elected that support our views of health, safety and security.

Increase our membership. Another big focus will be on recruiting members. This includes those among us who do not join the unions as well as those who work in vocations that are considered non-traditional (services such as home health care workers) or do not have union representation. There is power in numbers and the 21st Century Plan recognizes this.

Expand our Capacity. There is now a plan to improve the support structure of AFSCME, from the International level all the way down to the locals. A vital part of the 21st Century Plan is making sure that resources are used to their utmost ability.

Make affordable health care universal. The top priority of AFSCME is to address the growing problem in the Health Care industry. The 21st Century Plan will strive for health care on behalf of the 46 million people that currently do not have health insurance and to lower the costs for everyone.

Project a proud, bold image. The final component of the 21st Century Plan is to aggressively market what we all do in the most positive manner. There are many misconceptions out there of Public Employees and by creating a new image of what we do for our communities we can gain support for our professions and issues.

For those who have not experienced a convention of this sort, I will briefly explain how they operate. The main floor is for the official delegates of the convention. The alternates sit behind the main floor and watch the proceedings. In between those times that people come to speak to us, the business of the union takes place. This business is in the form of multitude of committee reports. These reports from the various sub-committees bring forth resolutions. There is debate and discussion followed by a vote of the delegation. There were over 90 resolutions and amendments to the AFSCME constitution this year. Many of these were related to the 21st Century Initiatives. The one amendment that drew the largest debate pertained to a dues increase of $3 per member, per month. This amendment was passed by the delegation and will be phased in over a three-year period. The effect on our local union will be substantial yet we are prepared for it by having a solid dues structure in place with our City. Many locals within AFSCME will not have to bargain for a dues structure that works on a percentage versus a defined amount so they can continue to operate at a high level just as we do today.

One of the highlights of this convention was the union rally at Resurrection Hospital - one of the largest hospital networks in Chicago. The management at Resurrection was sent a strong message by over 2,000 members who rallied outside of one of the hospitals in support of the workers inside who have no voice. Many community and political leaders come out in support of the message we sent to the Resurrection management - the right to organize and form a union. The fight goes on for those who work there while the rest of us at home know we made a difference that day.

With most of the business accomplished, the convention was adjourned for one day so that alternates and delegates could jointly participate in the largest "Town Hall Meeting" ever attempted by an organized labor group. For many of us, this town hall meeting was the best day of our trip. Through the use of an interactive computer system, almost 4,000 participants "identified collective priorities for building power and making AFSCME's 21st Century Initiative a reality" (afscme.org). The goal being to identify what changes 'we need to make every day to involve more members and make our union stronger" (afscme.org). The results of this meeting can be found at

Throughout the weeklong event, our delegation was able to meet our AFSCME brothers and sisters and share our experiences and challenges. this was an especially rewarding experience for me while I grow as your President. I attended a workshop on Volunteer Member Organizers (VMOs). VMOs are the backbone of grassroots organizing for our union. The workshop covered techniques and strategies for organizing people to effect change. While at this workshop, I spoke with AFSCME members from across the country on how best to organized those in a union as well as those without a union like the employees at Resurrection Hospital. The second workshop I attended was on mobilizing for contract fights. As we prepare for the contract year 2008, it's never too early to start preparing and planning. The BCEA now has more resources available through the various workshops our delegates attended and some extra know-how for having participated in these workshops.

To conclude, our Local along with our International Organization is moving forward with a bold new plan to make our union a stronger, positive force for change that will ultimately benefit us, our families and our worksites. We thank you for giving us this opportunity and we appreciate your support and assistance as we move into the 21st Century. I have asked those who attended the convention to share their thoughts and experiences with you. They are list below.

Executive Board Messages

Michael Castro - First Vice President
August 10th was AFSCME 1st Town Meeting. I sat at the table with union members from 6 different states. We discussed various challenges facing unions including Crisis of Member Involvement; Organizing and Political Action; Leadership Institute and Support for Public Service. The common problem at our table was low numbers of members at union meetings. The BCEA averages between 30-45 members per meeting. Do you remember the look on the City Councils' faces when all three unions packed the City Council meeting? That idea came from a member at one of our membership meetings! Just think what ideas could come up if more members came to the meetings! You, the members, set the direction of this union - YOU ARE THE UNION. The more members who go to the meetings, the stronger we become and the more the City will take notice. Someone may have an idea that the union hasn't thought of - come share it with the members. The power of one idea can lead to many more ideas. The action of a few can lead the membership to act as ONE. We are the largest union in the city. If the membership pulls together on the issues that affect our members WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. We did once and the city took notice - we can do it again. What are we willing to do to be heard by the City? Again, it starts by participating in the membership meetings. One voice can lead to a LOUD ROAR that the city can hear. We also have refreshments and an attendance drawing.

Jaime Torres - Second Vice president, Chief Steward
First, I would like to thank the membership for allowing me to represent Burbank City Employees Association, AFSCME Local 3143 at the 2006 37th International Convention "The AFSCME 21st Century Initiative." It was my very first convention. And what an experience it was. From the opening speaker Jimmy Smits to the Honorable Barack Obama, U.S. Senator, AFSCME International President, Gerald W. McEntee and closing with an address by the Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Senator. There were information and exhibit booths. Two days of various workshops. I attended a workshop entitled "Closing the Racial Wealth Divide" and how the unions play a role in bringing the divide closer together.

The rally at the Resurrection Health Care Facility to establish a union for the employees was very moving - very powerful. We were over 2,000 AFSCME union members assembled in the courtyard opposite the hospital from all over the United States including Puerto Rico. I was proud and honored to be a Delegate and to sit on the convention floor with my team. Besides all the speakers and initiatives and union business being conducted during that week, my fondest memory was being a part of the delegation that represented Burbank City Employees Association Local 3143. Proud and Honored - Thank you to the Membership for allowing me to serve you.

Vince Kieffer - Member At Large
My experience at the 37th International AFSCME Convention was both uplifting and informative. Gathering with delegates from all over the United States to help decide the future direction of our union. I was surprised to learn of so many threats to all public employees. To learn that several states have unilaterally cancelled contracts and banned collective bargaining with employees is pretty scary stuff. Especially after our own governor tried to alter our pensions through the initiative process last year.

I attended a class on the history of the labor movement. I thought that I had a good understanding of this subject, but was proved wrong by instructors who knew a lot most of this history that I did. We listened to some good speeches by both politicians like Senators Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois as well as labor leaders from every corner of the nation. I found out that some of our problems with management are pretty much universal and that our little local has had much more success in getting benefits for our members than many others have.

Sergio Carrillo - Member At Large
I am honored and proud to have been elected as a delegate to the AFSCME 37th International Convention in Chicago. It was a fantastic experience, fast paced and extremely valuable. There was a lot of business to cover and a week just seemed like there wasn't enough time. The major issue that was reinforced was that public employees are under attack. It is clear that the new game plan is to fight back and win. We can all contribute by being more aware of our surroundings and providing the best possible services that we are capable of giving on a daily basis.

The competition is fierce, but together we can accomplish the impossible. I have witnessed this first hand at the grounds of the Resurrection Health Care Facilities that are currently under attack. Management has been intimidating their workers and opposing their union drive every step of the way. I am pleased to inform you that on the 9th of August the management of Resurrection Health Care had a wake up call and finally recognized what the word "Resurrection" meant that the voices of AFSCME were ear piercing and will not be dismissed. We showed up in droves over two thousand strong; ultimately the workers of Resurrection Health Care system will prevail and achieve their victory.

The time that I was able to share with the delegates of our local was invaluable and much needed. I feel that we now have a closer bond due to this experience and will continue to work in unison for the BCEA. This is our moment the future is ours!

The open enrollment period for changing health benefits is early this year. As a result, the BCEA-sponsored health fair is scheduled for early September. It's also time for another quarterly meeting. I would like to encourage you to attend, as this is a good time to ask questions and hear the latest goings-on of your union. With the end of the year fast approaching, it will soon be time to nominate and vote for next years' executive board. Please mark your calendars for the nominations meeting and the following Annual Holiday meeting in December.

The Annual Health fair is being expanded this year to include more representatives from the BCEA and City. On September 7th, at the Buena Vista Library Meeting Room, from 9-12 and 1-4 pm, please come by to talk with the vendors from Public Employees Benefits Trust - including Kaiser and Pacificare; Pacific Union Dental; Burbank Employees Retiree Medical Trust; AFLAC; ICMA's Retiree Health Savings Plan; ICMA and Great West's Deferred Compensation. Along with these will be representatives from the City's Payroll and Benefits sections to answer questions.

There are two events being planned by the Recreation Committee. The first is a bus trip to Laughlin for October 6-8th. Details are on a flyer included with this mailing and posted on the union board in your work areas. This has always been a fun trip for those who go and I expect this trip to be just as exciting!

The second event is a Halloween-themed BCEA Bowling Night on October 28th, from 5-9pm at the newly renovated Jewel City Bowl. Please look for details in the near future!

And finally, keep your eyes out for an OPEN HOUSE down at the BCEA Office in late September!

Delegates' Reception at Navy Peer

The delegates dug into their personal wallets and paid to see a ball game.

We would like to thank the City of Chicago of hosting this year's convention.