AFGE, Local 3937 - Local Business Meeting

July 17, 2019  

ATSC, Auburn WA

Present were: Melanie Broady, Cassandra Butler, John Pfannenstein, Jackie Walton, Laura Novakoski, Steffen Pleiness, Dina Lovenstein, Nicole Duncan (previously Carrier), and Lara Kouna.

The meeting was called to order at 5:15pm, chaired by Melanie Broady, Local President.

Agenda:

• Treasurer’s Report
• Old Business
• New Business
• Reports
• Minutes review

Treasurer’s Report:

Jackie reports that as of the end of June we had $32,726 in checking, and $40,032 in savings.  We discussed the pace of spending, our general overhead and income.  We’ve spent 55% of our projected annual budget to date which is appropriate based on where we are in the calendar year.  She is also still pursuing a reimbursement from AFGE National about a refund for incorrect billing over the past year.

Old Business:

We decided in a previous meeting to have local representative T-shirts designed, and are now finalizing the ordering information.  We hope to get them made and delivered in the next month or so.

New Business:

Steve Kofahl asked us to contribute to a Washington State Alliance for Retired Americans (WSARA) event to be held August 14^th in Des Moines, WA to celebrate Social Security’s 84^th birthday and Medicare’s 54^th birthday.  There will be various topical and legislative speakers, and lunch will be provided.  Melanie made a motion that the Local contribute $200 to the WSARA event; John seconded.  Motion passed.  

Snohomish County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, requests our donation to help them fund a Solidarity Night at the AquaSox Ball Park on August 15^th.  Melanie made a motion that the Local contribute $50 to this event; Cassandra seconded.  We talked about how it is important to show our support for labor events like this, especially since our President Emeritus represents us as a member of this CLC.  Motion passed.       

Reports:

Last week, Local President Melanie Broady attended the Council 220 caucus in Washington D.C.  They also lobbied on Capitol Hill about current issues regarding the FSIP decision on collective bargaining.  They discussed the implication of ratification of the new contract.  A Local in the New York region has hired an attorney to litigate the FSIP decision and has asked other Locals to join the case; partly to show solidarity and partly to share in the cost of litigation ($17,000 to date and rising).  Council 220 has joined the litigation in name and pledged $50,000 towards costs to start.  AFGE argues that the FSIP decision is in excess of their statute and authority, and violates the law.  The recent appeal court decision regarding the Executive Orders will add challenges to this legal action.  We’re not persuaded that their legal arguments will ultimately be successful, but we recognize the importance of fighting against these attacks on labor.  Melanie made a motion that the Local join as a plaintiff and contribute a maximum of $450 to this effort; John seconded.  The lawyer’s hourly fee is $225 so this would be a symbolic assist for 2 hours of his time and show our support for the cause.  Motion passed.

Jackie made a motion that we accept the minutes as written and read; Nicole seconded.  Motion passed.

Laura moved to adjourn; Lara seconded.  Motion passed. 

Minutes written and submitted by Laura Novakoski, Secretary.