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2822 A New Voice
A Website for the Members of AFSCME Local 2822
January/February 2003


copyright Jim Evans and wildlandfire.com

Chief Runnings

By David Troy


Hello all and welcome to 2003, a very big year for our Local 2822. This year we have a lot to look forward to and a lot of work to get done.

This year we negotiate another two-year contract, along with all of the other AFSCME locals in Hennepin County. The last round of negotiations was a whole lot different than this one will likely be. Last time, we went into negotiations while the economy was not bad. There were signs of a downturn, but it hadn't happened yet.

This year we do know the extent of our economy. I personally think that there is an upturn for the economy in the very near future. Unfortunately, Hennepin County will have a finance problem this year with the State Government we elected that won't raise any taxes, rather will cut services and essential efforts the people of this State need and want.

If we UNITE and gather as one, dedicate ourselves to help secure a better future for ourselves and our families, and ORGANIZE a STRONGER UNION right now, we WILL GET A GOOD CONTRACT, and we will get what we deserve! We need YOUR HELP now. We need everybody to get and wear a union button to make sure management knows we are serious about this contract. We need everybody to contact their local steward or the email address below to let YOUR UNION know what your commitment level is and what you are willing to do for a fair contract. We need everybody to volunteer to participate in negotiations in some capacity, whether you are on a committee or you give some input, or you put your name on a PHONE TREE, or volunteer to organize your area into a phone tree, we need everybody to get involved!

LISTEN FOLKS, I COULD WRITE ABOUT THIS ALL DAY - JUST HELP NEGOTIATE!
To be continued...

We have identified a Co-Chief Steward within our steward ranks. LaToya Wilson will be appointed Co-Chief Steward this month. I am looking forward to continuing to work with LaToya in this office. Thank you LaToya, we need you!

Excellent steward

What should you do if you have a very important issue that you want to bring to negotiations? Bring you thoughts and ideas to Union meetings such as the Membership Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month, or other emetings that may be called to gather input for negotiations. Here is a thought directly from me, if you have an important issue, then it should be important enough for you to get involved to push it forward.

Did you use your AFSCME Advantage discounts this past Holiday Season?

FREE...FREE...FREE...FREE...FREE

"AFSCME For Wellstone"

T-shirts for the first five people who can answer this question:

Who said this,
"And I thank you [union members], for all that you've done for Minnesota and our country. You are part of a mighty justice tradition.
Because of you - the right to join a union.
Because of you - the National Labor Relations Act.
Because of you - Fair Labor Standards.
Because of you - the eight-hour day.
Because of you - the minimum wage.
Because of you - OSHA.
Because of you - Social Security.
Because of you - the Civil Rights Movement that made our country better, not just for people of color, but for all of us.
Because of you - some protection for people with disabilities against discrimination.
Because of you - support for family farmers. You've been there each and every step along the way."

The first five people who answer this question correctly by emailing the address below will receive an AFSCME for Wellstone t-shirt.

David Troy, Co-chief Steward

ChiefStewardofLocal2822@yahoo.com



Last revised 01/17/03. Some images courtesy of AFSCME from the Webmasters Corner at AFSCME.org. The flag image above is courtesy of wildlandfire.com. Please visit their site - the image is to honor and remember the firefighters who lost their lives in the tragedies of September 11, 2001. Send comments and suggestions to the webmaster: Sheryl Johnson