2021 AFGE National Convention Proposal

Whereas: We comprise at least ten percent of the locals representing at least ten percent of the membership of the Federation

Whereas: AFGE is facing unprecedented times for conducting its business in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.

Whereas: The Locals of the federation want to move the business of the federation forward and we have not allowed for such means in our constitution.

Whereas: The locals of the federation are not in agreement that we postpone the convention

Whereas: The locals of the federation demand a say in who leads our Federation.

Whereas: The NST’s office is required to publish the following proposals in the next Government Standard and at the end of a 60-day period, provide for a vote of all locals, regarding the proposals.

Therefore, be it resolved:

We the undersigned locals are petitioning, in accordance with Article 29 of the AFGE National Constitution, that the NST make the following proposals to the locals of the Federation and hold a vote:

Whereas: Locals of the federation want to move the business of the federation forward.

Whereas: We wish to suspend convention rules as it relates to the election of officers.

Whereas: Article 8, Section 1 of the National Constitution states “The National President, the National Secretary-Treasurer, and the National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices of AFGE will be elected by secret ballot and a majority vote in accordance with the rules of the National Convention.”

Whereas: Locals may not have been able to hold delegate elections due to COVID-19 and state and local restrictions.

Whereas: Article 29, Section 1, of the National Constitution give locals the ability to modify their constitution between conventions.

Whereas: Article 2, Section 1 states,” The object of this Federation shall be to promote the general welfare of government employees, promote efficiency, advance plans of improvement, and promote the full participation of women and minorities in AFGE activities at all levels throughout the Federation”.

Therefore, be it resolved that Article V be amended as follows:

The National Convention shall meet triennially at such place as the NEC shall select during the months of August or September of each third year in a union hotel, and the date to be set will be left to the discretion of the NEC. The NEC shall name the dates of the National Convention by October 1 of the year preceding the National Convention year, and the National Office shall notify all locals 30 days after said date is set.

The National Convention shall be planned to avoid any conflict with the major religious holidays observed by any religious group among AFGE's membership. If any such conflict should arise, it is the responsibility of the membership representing the affected group to notify the National Office in writing at least six months prior to the suggested date of the National Convention.

The National Convention shall convene on a Monday and close on the following Friday.

If conducting an in-person convention may cause a detriment to the health and well-being of the delegates of the convention, the national convention may be held, virtually, hybrid (in-person and virtually) or by any other appropriate method. If this will cause an additional expense, that expense will be shared among locals and national, if need be, by special assessment. This assessment, if necessary, will be determined, announced and a breakdown of the cost to the federation and locals will be provided and included in the proposal published in the “Government Standard”.

Therefore, be it further resolved that Article VIII; Section 1 be amended as follows:

The National President, the National Secretary-Treasurer, and the National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices of AFGE will be elected by secret ballot and a majority vote in accordance with the rules of the National Convention.

If conducting an in-person election may cause a detriment to the health and well-being of the delegates of the convention, the federation will utilize a secret mail-in ballot, to be mailed to the delegates of record at the time of the vote. When this provision is enacted, a virtual meeting will be held, prior to ballot issuance, for the purpose of nominating candidates for office, as well as candidate speeches, if a candidate chooses to give such speech. Appendix A will apply unless in conflict with this Article.