Washington Federation of State Employees

43
WFSE

rd
Biennial
Convention
October 3-4, 2009
DoubleTree SeaTac, Washington

WE MAKE WASHINGTON HAPPEN

PEOPLE Booth
Visit early and often!
Find us in the Convention Hall foyer.
Merchandise for Sale
• WFSE PEOPLE Fleece Jackets-
Men’s & Women Sizes Available-
Limited Quantities
• WFSE PEOPLE Ball Caps
• WFSE PEOPLE Beanie Hats
• WFSE PEOPLE Scarves
• AFSCME PEOPLE Women’s ¾
Length Sleeved
• AFSCME PEOPLE Men’s Polo
Shirts
• AFSCME PEOPLE Water Bottles
• AFSCME PEOPLE Socks
• Blow-Out Sale--Miscellaneous
Merchandise Available
We accept:
CHECK CASH CREDIT
Live & Silent Auctions
• Silent Auction:
Visit the PEOPLE Booth to view
Silent Auction items. Bidding is
open all day Saturday and Sunday
until 11:30 am. Winners will be
announced at lunch on Sunday.
• Live Auction: PEOPLE is also
holding a Live Auction during the
lunch on Sunday. View Live Auc-
tion items at the PEOPLE booth
and get ready to bid!
Proceeds benefit the PEOPLE Program.
[PAGE 8 for more info]
Hours:
Friday Noon - 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Contents
Vision, Mission & Core Values.................................................................... 4
Convention Call............................................................................................ 5
Important Information for Delegates/Alternates.................................. 6
Helpful Hints for Effective Participation ................................................ 7
Special Events................................................................................................ 8
Guide to Facilities & Services.................................................................... 10
How the Convention Works..................................................................... 12
Guest Speakers............................................................................................. 21
Convention Committees .......................................................................... 23
Workshops.................................................................................................... 25
Exhibit Hall ................................................................................................... 28
Awards............................................................................................................ 29
Agenda Highlights......................................................................................... 30
WFSE Locals.................................................................................................. 34
WFSE Staff..................................................................................................... 36
WFSE Executive Board............................................................................... 38
Rules & Order of Business (DRAFT) ..................................................... 39
WFSE Constitution...................................................................................... 43
WFSE By-Laws.............................................................................................. 54
AFSCME Constitution Appendix D, Elections Code .......................... 56
SeaTac DoubleTree: Floor Plans............................................................. 58

3
Vision, Mission & Core Values
Vision
WFSE is an efficient dynamic, member driven, and diverse organization that sup-
ports and empowers public service employees. We achieve this through orga-
nization, training, and education in all public forums, political levels with activism,
integrity, pride, and coalition building. We build public support and trust. Our
membership is inclusive in nature, seeking uniform fairness with strong ethical
standards to protect public interests.

Mission
WFSE’s Purpose Is:
• To organize and empower individuals to create a powerful collective voice.
• To respond to the needs and directions of the membership.
• To achieve and maintain excellent wages, benefits, and working conditions.
• To ensure the union is a positive force in workers’ lives, families, and communities.
• To unite the WFSE Locals of AFSCME for mutual protection and advancement
of workers.

Core Values
DEMOCRATIC - Membership driven, members connected, and essential to the
process.
RESPECT - Ideas, diversity, perspectives, public respect, dignity, compassion.
INTEGRITY - Honesty, ethical, courage, doing what’s right, mean what you say,
trust but verify.
FAIRNESS AND EQUITY - Representation without bias including political action.
Diversity in ideas, behavior, and differences.
PROFESSIONALISM - Mentoring, responsiveness, accountability, continuous im-
provement, education and training.
BETTERMENT OF WORKERS’, LIVES AND FAMILIES - Wages, benefits, working
conditions, healthcare, and safety.
4
 Convention Call
This Convention is called in accordance with Article VII - Meetings, Section 1, of the
Council Constitution, which states:
“The Council biennial Convention shall be held in odd-numbered years and on a Saturday
and Sunday in September or October but may also be convened on the preceding Friday.
The call to the biennial Convention shall be issued at least 120 days preceding the com-
mencement of the Convention. The Convention city shall be selected by the Executive
Board.”
The 43nd Biennial Convention of the Washington Federation of State Employees,
Council 28 AFSCME AFL-CIO, will be held in Sea-Tac, Washington at DoubleTree
Hotel (18740 Pacific Highway South, Sea-Tac, WA 98188) on October 3 and 4 2009
beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Committee meetings will be held on Friday, October 2, 2009, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
All Committee members shall be notified fifteen (15) days prior to the convening of
the Convention in writing of committee appointments made by the Council President.

REPRESENTATION
Our Council constitution, ARTICLE VIII, provides for the number of delegates and
votes to which each Local is entitled. Page 46

CREDENTIALS
Credentials for Delegates are covered under ARTICLE VI of the By-Laws. Page 55

RESOLUTIONS
See ARTICLE III of the By-Laws for information about Resolutions. Page 54

AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

See ARTICLE XVII for Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws. Page 53

NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Elections Code, Appendix D, of the International Constitution (Page 56), as supple-
mented by ARTICLE XIII of the Council 28 Constitution. Page 51

5
Important Information
More than 500 delegates, alternates and guests are expected to participate
in the WFSE’s 43rd Biennial Convention.

Your Delegate/Alternate bag contains the materials that will help you par-
ticipate fully in the convention’s proceedings.

Delegate Resources includes:

• reports of the Officers;

• copies of proposed constitutional amendments and resolutions
submitted prior to the convention;
• list of Delegates/Alternates, Delegate Strength and Voting Lists
• Convention Committee roster;
• this Delegate Guide.

Your Delegate Guide includes:

• information about the events, facilities, and services available

during the Convention;
• Convention Call, Rules & Order of Business, the Democratic Rules,
and procedures that govern Convention business;
• Agenda Highlights; N

LY
N TIO
• descriptions and locations of NV
E
I
committee meetings, caucuses, E
CO
D A
S
workshops and booths; WF
• Executive Board & Staff rosters.
• Highlights of previous day
• Speakers & Special Guests
• Upcoming Events
• Committee Meetings
• Workshops
• Games, puzzles

6
Helpful Hints for Effective Participation
• Read the materials in your Delegate bag.
• Wear your badge at all times while in
SeaTac DoubleTree
• Attend “New Delegate and Alternates”
Mbr Name
workshop on Friday, October 2, at either Local#
1:00 PM or 2:45 PM in NORTHWEST 2
DELEGATE
• Attend all business sessions.
• Understand the procedures for introducing and acting on resolu-
tions and constitutional amendments. Page 17, 18
• Read the WFSE Daily. It’s your best source for up-to-minute news
and information on Convention activities. WFSE Daily will also be
posted online at WFSE.org > 2009 Convention.
• Find out when and where committees are meeting, and make your-
self heard on issues important to your local and bargaining unit.
• Place your cell phone on vibrate/silent mode during all Conven-
tion activities.
• Please refrain from wearing perfume or aftershave during Conven-
tion activities. Many of your brothers and sisters are sensitive to
certain scents.
• When you have a question, ask a WFSE staff person.

7
Special Events, Meetings
Delegates/Alternates Reception and Banquet
Friday evening from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM in the GRAND BALLROOM.
Reception begins at 6:30 PM, with a Banquet program to follow at 7 PM.
Delegates/Alternates will dine on Prime Rib and enjoy an inspiring program.
[Vegetarian and Diabetic meal options are available. Ask your server]
Our special guest speaker is Bill Lucy, AFSCME’s International Secretary-Trea-
surer, and a long-time friend of Washington Federation of State Employees.
Also scheduled are presentations for the Howard Ocobock PEOPLE Award,
and the George Masten Courage Award.

Next Wave Social Gathering

Friday evening at 9:00 PM, in EVERGREEN 1.
This social gathering is intended for Delegates/Alternates who are age 35
and under.

PEOPLE Events
• PEOPLE Booth - Visit the PEOPLE booth in the Convention Hall foyer
to purchase merchandise and view items up for bid in the Silent and Live
auctions.
• PEOPLE Reception - Saturday evening from 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM in
Maxi’s Ballroom. The Reception is open only to PEOPLE Gold and
Platinum MVP’s.
• PEOPLE Auctions & Luncheon - PEOPLE will conduct a Live Auction at
lunch in the Convention Hall on Sunday. Winners of the Silent Auction
will be announced during lunch also. For more information, see front
cover.
8
 Find a map to the meeting rooms on Page 59

WSECU-hosted Briefing
Saturday morning at 7:30 AM in NORTHWEST 2.
Financial advisors from WSECU will provide information and resources that
you can use to strengthen your finances.
Breakfast Buffet - attendance restricted*
CWS Privatization Pilots - Update Meeting
Friday morning at 11 AM in CASCADE 13.
Find out what’s been happening since the passage of 2SHB 2106.
Coffee service
Candidate Forum
Saturday evening at 7:00 PM in NORTHWEST 2.
Hear from the candidates who are seeking your vote for Council Officer.
Voting will be conducted on Sunday morning.
Conservative Caucus Meeting
Sunday morning at 7:30 AM in CASCADE 13
Attendance restricted to Conservative Caucus members.
Breakfast Buffet
Women’s, Equal Partners Breakfast
Sunday morning at 7:30 AM in NORTHWEST 1
Program: Washington Women Win the Vote in 1910
Shanna Stevenson is a graduate of Gonzaga University with a BA in history
and holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from The Evergreen
State College. After a 20-year career as a historic preservation professional,
she joined the Washington State Historical Society in 2006 as Coordinator
of the Washington Women’s History Consortium.
Breakfast Buffet
*The meeting is open to 2 delegates from each local. The Chair of each Local Delegation will distribute the tickets.
9
Guide to Facilities & Services
Registration & Information booth
The Registration & Information booth is located in the foyer outside the
Convention Hall (see facility map on Page 59). WFSE Staff members are
there to answer your questions. *******Validate your parking ticket here.
Registration & Information will be open:
• Thursday, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Friday, from 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Saturday, from 8:00 am - Recess (Convention Registration ends at 11 am)

Convention Daily News

For information on upcoming activities, committee meetings, caucuses, spe-
cial events and highlights of the previous and upcoming day’s events, read
Convention Daily. Copies will be available each morning in news stands lo-
cated in the foyer and Exhibit Hall. Convention Daily will also be posted on-
line at WFSE.org > 2009 Convention > Daily News.

Cyber Cafe
Check your email at the Cyber Cafe in the Exhibit Hall. Four terminals will
be available for delegates and alternates to use.

Wi-Fi
Lobby areas and the foyer area outside of the Convention Floor are
equipped with free Wi-Fi. Meeting rooms are not equipped with free Wi-Fi.

Business Center
Campaign-related or local business needs can be done at the Business
Center, at local or personal expense.
Hours: 7:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday; located on the second floor of the tower building.
Available 24 hours by key card access. Please contact guest services for more information.

10
Food Options
Meals are provided to Delegates/Alternates at the Friday evening Banquet;
and on Sunday at the PEOPLE Lunch/Auction. See Page 8 for event details.
All other meals are “on your own.” Food options include the Expresso Bar,
the Coffee Garden, and Seaport’s.
• Expresso Bar - expanded “food to go” options.
• The Coffee Garden is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
HOURS: Friday, 6 am - 2 pm; Saturday 6 am - 10 pm; Sunday, 6 am - 2 pm.

• Seaport’s Restaurant offers a lunch menu from 11 AM - 5 PM;

and a dinner menu from 5 PM - 10 PM.

Meeting Rooms
Delegates or constituency group caucuses who wish to gather and use ho-
tel meeting space can make the request at the Registration & Information
booth. Requests will be accommodated only if space is available.

Message Board
A message board will be located at the Registration & Information booth.
Please check it from time to time for individual messages and Convention
announcements.

Lost & Found

The Registration & Information booth serves as the Lost & Found. Please
do not leave your personal belongings unattended.

Automated Teller Machine

There is an ATM conveniently located adjacent to the front desk.
11
How the Convention Works
The following is important information on how work is conducted at the
WFSE Convention. We also have included answers to frequently asked
questions on speaking at the Convention, voting and taking action on
resolutions and amendments.

Local Elections
Once the Convention Call was received, Locals held elections by secret bal-
lot to choose delegates and alternates to represent them at Convention.
These delegates and alternates had their credential papers certified by their
local officers and sent to the Council Secretary at Council Headquarters at
least sixty (60) days before the start of the Convention.

Locally Sponsored Resolutions and Amendments

Over the past several months, Locals, policy committees and executive
board members have taken the time to discuss issues and determine their
position with respect to those issues. Some of these discussions and deci-
sions resulted in resolutions and proposed amendments to the WFSE Con-
stitution. Signed by the Local President and Secretary, these were sent to
the Council Secretary at Council Headquarters.
The Council made copies of all resolutions and amendments received. You
have a set of them in your Delegate Kit.

A copy of the WFSE Constitution is

included in this booklet - Page 43.
12
Convention Committees
Convention committees are appointed by the Council President. These commit-
tees - Credentials, Resolutions, Rules, Sergeant-at-Arms, Constitution & Bylaws,
Elections, Legislative and PEOPLE - meet on Friday, prior to the opening of the
Convention and will make reports during the Convention as needed.
• Convention Committees Schedule, Page 23
The Credentials Committee’s major responsibility is to make sure that all
the credentials received before the Convention have met the requirements
for participation. A delegate whose credential is received by the committee
after the 60th day prior to the Convention is considered an irregular del-
egate and is not included in the committee’s initial report. Shortly after the
adoption of its initial report, the Credentials Committee will make a second
report and will move to seat any irregular delegates.
The Committee on Rules and the Order of Business recommends the
rules of procedure for the Convention. A copy of the new rules proposed
by the committee is provided at the opening session and you will have an
opportunity to vote on their adoption. Read DRAFT Rules on Page 39.
The Sergeant-at-Arms Committee assists the chair in maintaining order
and decorum within the Convention hall. Members of the committee assist
delegates who want to be heard during discussions. Sergeants-at-Arms also
ensure that only persons with approved credentials are on the Convention
floor. In addition, they are responsible for counting delegates on standing
votes.
The Constitution & Bylaws Committee A/B considers all proposed amend-
ments to the WFSE Constitution. Proposed amendments have been divided
between Committee-A and Committee-B. Each Committee will give a
report to the full Convention with recommendations on each submission.
• Read more about Convention Committees, Page 24
13
Admission to Convention
Registered delegates receive a Delegate Kit and badge that admits you onto
the floor of the Convention every day.
Alternate delegates are also given a Delegate Kit and a badge that admits them
to the section of the Convention hall set aside for Alternates and Guests.

Convention Rules
Rules of order are necessary to conduct business in an organized and dem-
ocratic way. Becoming familiar with and following the rules of the Conven-
tion will make your participation more effective.
Although the official rules of WFSE’s 43rd Biennial Convention are not adopt-
ed until the opening session, the following general rules will help you prepare
to take an active role. WFSE uses Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, as
its guide for setting Convention rules. However, the WFSE Constitution takes
precedence, and all rules must be consistent with the Constitution.
Read Rules & Order of Business on Page 39.

Addressing the Convention

How do I get to the floor when I have something to say?
If you want to address the Convention, go to a microphone near you. In
turn, the Chair will recognize you and inquire your purpose for rising.
What do I do when I have the floor?
First, give your name and the local you represent. Then state why you wish
to speak. When speaking on a motion, you will have a fixed time to speak,
unless a majority of the delegates vote you an extension of time. The fixed
time limit is set by the Rules Committee.
What if I am interrupted by another delegate?
Delegates may not interrupt one another except when they have a point of
order. If the Chair decides the interruption is indeed a point of order, you
14
may be asked to be seated until the question is decided. After that, you may
resume speaking.
What if I think the Chair was wrong in determining the point of order?
The decision of the Chair can be appealed, but the appeal must have the
support of 25 percent of the delegates.
What if I want to speak again on the same issue?
You may do so, but only after all other delegates wishing to speak on that
issue have done so.
What if I think the debate has gone on long enough?
You may go to a microphone and when recognized by the Chair move the
previous question to close debate. Once your motion is made and sec-
onded, the Chair is required by the rules to put your motion to a vote. If
the ayes have it, debate is closed by a decision of the Convention, and the
delegates must proceed to vote on the issue.
If the previous question is moved and only one side of an issue has been
heard, the Chair shall recognize additional speakers prior to the vote on the
previous question, alternating between those in favor of and in opposition to
the pending motion, until three speakers on the opposite side of the issue
have been heard or until no speakers on the opposite side of the issue are
seeking recognition, whichever comes first.
How do I make a motion to reconsider a vote the Convention has al-
ready taken?
If you voted on the winning side of the issue, you may move to have the
decision of the Convention reconsidered. You must make the motion to re-
consider no later than the meeting following the meeting in which the origi-
nal vote was taken.
Is it possible to amend a motion made as part of a committee report?
Yes. This may be done in the same manner as amending other motions and
resolutions and requires a majority vote of delegates voting. However, any
15
proposed constitutional amendment that needs only a majority vote of the
Convention requires a two-thirds vote for revision. If this is done it then
takes only a majority vote to pass the revised amendment.

Voting at the Convention

Who can vote at the Convention?
Only accredited delegates who are properly seated by the Convention can vote.
When and how do delegates vote?
Delegates vote for resolutions, amendments and committee reports. Most
decisions are made by voice vote, with the Chair exercising his or her best
judgment on the decision. However, decisions can be challenged from the
floor.
How do I challenge the Chair’s decision on a voice vote?
A delegate who wants to appeal the announced result of a voice vote can
request a standing vote (division of the house). When a standing vote is
taken, the delgates voting for the motion are asked to stand. If the result is
not apparent from viewing the standing delegates, the Sergeants-at-Arms
count the number standing in support of the motion and report their count
to the Chair. Those who oppose the motion stand and are counted. The
Chair announces the result.
How do I challenge the result of a standing vote?
A delegate who wants to appeal the announced result of a standing vote
can do so only by requesting a roll-call vote. Before the roll-call vote can
go forward, this request must be supported by 15 Locals. When a roll-call
vote is requested, the delegates who supported the request are asked to
stand. If the result is not apparent from viewing the standing delegates, the
Sergeant-at-Arms count the number standing in support of the motion and
report their count to the Chair.

16
How does a roll-call vote work?
Once the Chair has ordered a roll-call vote, no adjournment or recess or
special order is possible until the roll call is completed. The Treasurer calls
each local by number and announces the number of votes to which each is
entitled. Each delegate answering must stand, give his or her name and cast
the vote. Three official tellers, appointed by the Chair, record the votes and
announce the results after the final tabulation.

Resolutions
What happened to the resolution submitted by my local?
If your resolution was submitted to the Council prior to 45 days before the
opening of the Convention, it was assigned to a committee for discussion
and recommendations. Copies were made available to all delegates and
when the committee reports it to the full Convention, your resolution will
be acted on.
Is it possible to submit a resolution during the Convention?
Yes. Once the Convention has convened, a resolution may only be submit-
ted by the Executive Board at any time up to the afternoon recess on the
first day of Convention. At that time it is assigned to a committee for its
recommendation and is acted on subsequently by the full Convention.
May I attend committee meetings to discuss resolutions?
Yes. Any delegate may attend any committee meeting to speak on resolutions.
Committees have the authority to designate times when non-committee
members may speak and set time limits on their statements. In addition,
committees may, by majority vote, exclude delegates who are not members
of the committee during deliberations and/or voting.
How does the Convention vote on resolutions?
Resolutions are acted on by voice votes of the full Convention. The same gen-
eral rules apply to voice votes on resolutions that apply to other voice votes.

17
Constitutional Amendments
The WFSE Constitution is a living document that must be amended from
time to time as changing circumstances demand. Constitutional amend-
ments can only be adopted by the delegates to a WFSE Convention.
How are amendments to the WFSE Constitution introduced?
Amendments to the Constitution that were submitted to the Council Sec-
retary no later than 45 days before the Convention - except proposals to
change the Council’s per capita tax, which require submission 90 days prior
to Convention - and mailed to all locals at least 30 days prior to the Con-
vention may be passed by a two-thirds vote.
All amendments to the Council 28 Constitution, including amendments to
change the per capita tax require a two-thirds affirmative vote of the del-
egates voting for adoption.
When is the amendment effective?
Amendments shall be subject to the approval of the International President
in accordance with Article IX of the International Constitution.

Electing WFSE Officers

Delegates will elect the WFSE President, Vice President, Secretary and Trea-
surer.
On Saturday morning at 10:30 am, nominations will be taken from the Con-
vention floor for WFSE’s four officers.
In cases where there are more nominees than offices to be filled, elections
will be held.
The Elections Committee will conduct the elections on Sunday from 9:00
am until voting is completed. Delegates are required to show Convention
badges to cast a vote. If any runoffs are necessary they will take place im-
mediately after the vote is announced by the Elections Committee.
A candidate forum is scheduled for Saturday evening at 7:00 PM in NW2.
18
The Roles of the WFSE Officers
All WFSE Officers promise and pledge to perform faithfully and with honor the
duties of their office and to deliver to their successor all books, papers and other
property of the union in their possession at the close of the term.
WFSE President is the presiding officer of the Convention and will chair the
general session, but at any time may call on the Vice President to preside
temporarily. The President will report on the Union’s activities since the last
Convention. The President serves as an ex-officio member of all commit-
tees except Credentials and Elections.
The President is responsible for enforcing the rules of order and has the
assistance of a parliamentarian throughout the Convention, and as Conven-
tion Chair makes judgments on voice votes, recognizes persons who wish to
speak, calls on committee chairs for reports, introduces guests and speakers
and guides the delegates through the demanding business of the Conven-
tion.
WFSE Vice President serves to assist the President in conducting the busi-
ness of the Council.
WFSE Secretary serves as secretary of the Convention and issues the Con-
vention Call to all locals, and at the opening session, reads that Call, thus
initiating business.
It is the responsibility of the Secretary to receive the credentials of delegates
and alternates and to submit them to the Credentials Committee. The Sec-
retary, with WFSE staff, work with the committee to provide the necessary
information as to whether locals meet the constitutional requirements for
representation at the Convention and to assign to each local the number of
votes to which it is entitled under the WFSE Constitution.
The Secretary also receives proposed resolutions and constitutional amend-
ments, and distributes them in accordance with the WFSE Constitution. Dur-
ing the Convention, the Secretary reports on activities and maintains a re-
cord of the proceedings. Proceedings are distributed to all delegates and
locals following the Convention.
19
WFSE Treasurer has the responsibility to submit an audit report to the
Convention covering the two preceding fiscal years and to present the bud-
get for the new biennium.

Committee Reports, and Special Guests/Speakers

Committee Chairs report throughout the Convention on the business of
their committees. They are called upon as their committees present items
for action by the full Convention.
Various guests and speakers address the Convention on topics of state and
local interest, and appear throughout the proceedings. See Page 21 for
Speaker information.

Distribution of Materials on Convention Floor

Distribution of any materials to Delegates on the Convention
floor is authorized ONLY with permission of the Council Presi-
dent. All approved distributions will be delivered by the Ser-
geant-at-Arms.

20

Gerald W. McEntee (Via video)
AFSCME President
Gerald W. McEntee has been AF-
SCME president since 1981. He’s
been a labor leader since 1958
and was first elected as executive
director of AFSCME Council 13 in
Pennsylvania in 1973 and as an AF-
SCME International vice president
in 1974.
As vice president of the AFL-CIO
and chair of the Political Educa-
tion Committee, McEntee is a key
leader in the labor movement and
its political efforts.
President McEntee has long been
a leader in the fight for health care
reform. He chairs the AFL-CIO’s
Health Care Committee and is a
co-chair of Health Care for Amer-
ica NOW!
He is also a co-founder and chair-
man of the board of the Economic
Policy Institute.
For his efforts to improve the lives
of working families, the Leader-
ship Conference on Civil Rights
presented McEntee with its presti-
gious Hubert H. Humphrey Award
in 2004.
Guest Speakers
William Lucy
AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer
William Lucy was first elected AFSCME sec-
retary-treasurer in 1972—Council 28 put his
name in nomination.
Lucy is a former president of Local 1675 in
Contra Costa County, Calif. He joined the
AFSCME staff in 1966 as associate director of
the Legislation and Community Affairs depart-
ments. There, he became a key figure in the
1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike; that
victory for decency and fairness was tarnished
by the tragic assassination of Mr. Lucy’s col-
league Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sec.-Treas.
Lucy’s role in that strike is chronicled in Mi-
chael Honey’s 2007 book, Going Down Jericho
Road: The Memphis Strike, Martin Luther King’s
Last Campaign.
Lucy is a member of the AFL-CIO Executive
Council, a vice president of the Maritime Trades
Department and Department of Professional
Employees, vice president of Public Services
International and serves on the boards of direc-
tors for the International Rescue Committee,
Americans for Democratic Action and the Cen-
ter for Policy Alternatives.
He is a founder and president of the Coalition
of Black Trade Unionists and was one of the
founders of the Free South Africa Movement
that launched the successful anti-apartheid
campaign in the United States in the 1980s.
21
Guest Speakers
Lee A. Saunders Sr.
Executive Assistant to AFSCME Presi-
dent Gerald W. McEntee
Lee Saunders is responsible for
overseeing and coordinating the ac-
tivities of the departments of Legis-
lation, Political Action, Public Affairs
and Retiree programs. In that capac-
ity, he oversees the most effective
political and legislative operation in
the history of the American labor
movement.
He also served as administrator of
a number of AFSCME councils and
large locals across the country in
order to rebuild these unions when
they have been placed under the
control of the national union.
Saunders began his career with
AFSCME in 1978 as a labor econo-
mist. He has been assistant director
of Research and Collective Bargain-
ing Services, director of Community
Action and deputy director of Or-
ganizing and Field Services.
He’s a board member of the Pro-
gressive States Network and serves
on a number of other boards and
commissions.
Ken Allen
Executive Director, Oregon AFSCME Council 75
Ken Allen has been an AFSCME Northwest
Regional vice president since 2004 (along with
Council 28 Executive Director Greg De-
vereux).
Allen has been with Council 75 for 15 years
and has also served as council representative,
assistant executive director and chief negotia-
tor. He is also a vice president of the Oregon
AFL-CIO and a board member of Inside Or-
egon Enterprises.
He can often be seen on the ground in Wash-
ington state supporting job actions and other
fights being waged by Council 28.
The Honorable Christine Gregoire
Governor of the State of Washington
Chris Gregoire has been governor since 2005.
She began her state career as a WFSE/AF-
SCME member while a clerk typist with the
Department of Corrections in Spokane. She
worked her way up the ranks to social work-
er, then after law school as an assistant attor-
ney general. In that role, she negotiated the
landmark 1985 comparable worth pay equity
settlement with WFSE/AFSCME.
She’s also been director of the Department of
Ecology and, from 1993 to 2005, state attor-
ney general.
22
 Convention Committees
Friday, October 2

Committee Chairs Meeting Maxi’s Salon 7:30 am

This meeting is restricted to the chairs of the Legislative, Resolutions and
Constitution & Bylaws committees; assigned staff; and council officers.

Committee Meeting Schedule Room Time

Credentials Committee CASCADE 11 9:00 am
Constitution & Bylaws Committee-A EVERGREEN 1 & 2 9:00 am
Constitution & Bylaws Committee-B EVERGREEN 3 & 4 9:00 am
Elections Committee NORTHWEST 3 9:00 am
Legislative Committee CASCADE 7 & 8 9:00 am
Officer Reports CASCADE 10 9:00 am
PEOPLE Committee CASCADE 1 & 2 9:00 am
Resolutions Committee CASCADE 12 9:00 am
Rules Committee CASCADE 5 & 6 9:00 am
Sergeant-at-Arms Committee CASCADE 9 9:00 am

Credentials Committee
Oversees registration at the Convention; tracks the number of local unions,
delegates and alternates registered at the Convention. Reports to the Convention
and certifies that a quorum is present. Ensures that the Elections Committee
receives the final tally of the number of delegates present.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Reviews, discusses and makes recommendations to the Convention on resolutions
and proposed amendments that require a change to the Council Constitution.

23
Convention Committees
Elections Committee
Responsible for the conduct of the nominations and elections for the four Council
officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Committee drafts
the rules for the nomination and election procedures and makes recommenda-
tions to the body. The Committee conducts the nominations and elections and
reports the results of the election to the convention body as each Council officer
is elected.
Legislative Committee
Receives, discusses and makes recommendations to the Convention on resolutions
that require legislative action.
PEOPLE Committee
Raises funds for AFSCME’s political action fund known as PEOPLE (Public Em-
ployees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality) throughout the Convention.
Committee Members encourage delegates/alternates to sign up; increase a con-
tribution and/or buy PEOPLE products and give periodic status reports to the
Convention on attaining the goal.
Resolution Committee
Reviews, discusses and makes recommendations to the Convention on resolu-
tions that do not require legislative action or changes to the Council Constitution.
Rules Committee
This committee drafts proposed Rules for the Convention. The adoption of the
Rules and Order of Business is one of the first actions taken by the Convention.
Sergeant-at-Arms Committee
Responsible for the Convention hall set up, and for distributing all approved hand-
outs. Assists the Chair with maintaining order and decorum during the Convention.
Assists the Elections Committee during the elections on Sunday morning.
24
Workshops | SCHEDULE

Friday, October 2

1:00 - 2:30 pm
Workshop Room
New Delegate Training NORTHWEST 2
PEOPLE -
Because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu CASCADE 9 & 10
Get Connected - WFSE’s Online Communications CASCADE 13
NO on I-1033 CASCADE 7 & 8
How to Run Effective Meetings CASCADE 1 & 2
National Health Care Reform CASCADE 3

2:45 - 4:15 pm
Workshop Room
New Delegate Training NORTHWEST 2
PEOPLE -
Because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu CASCADE 9 & 10
Blogging 101 - Building WFSE’s Online Community CASCADE 13
Vote No on I-1033 CASCADE 7 & 8
How to Run Effective Meetings CASCADE 1 & 2
National Health Care Reform CASCADE 3
25
Workshops | DESCRIPTIONS

New Delgate Orientation:

Learn how to take an active role in the decision-making process
NORTHWEST 2 | 1 pm & 2:45 pm | Gladys Burbank
Delegates and alternates will learn how the convention works during this
workshop. You’ll learn about parliamentary law, the rules of the Convention
and how to take an active part in the decision making process. The class is
available to all delegates and alternates regardless of how many times they
have attended the convention. It’s a good introduction for first time del-
egates and alternates as well as a good refresher course for experienced
delegates and alternates.
PEOPLE:
Because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu
CASCADE 9 & 10 | 1 pm & 2:45 pm | Al Austin and Gerry Fidler, AFSCME
Delegates and alternates will learn the purpose, benefits and operations of
AFSCME’s PEOPLE program. You’ll explore some of the feelings and motiva-
tions behind giving money and practice having 1-on-1 conversations about
the PEOPLE program.
Get Connected:
WFSE’s Online Communications -
CASCADE 13 | 1 pm | Tim Welch and Laura Reisdorph, WFSE
Online communications are a powerful way to create a community, concen-
trate a message and amp up a voice. Find out how LaborWeb, WFSE.org,
Web 2.0 and syndicated content are being used to channel information to
members.
Make Every Meeting Matter:
How to Run an Effective Meeting
CASCADE 1 & 2 | 1 pm & 2:45 pm | Liz Larsen, WFSE
26
Workshops | DESCRIPTIONS

Blogging 101:
Building WFSE’s Online Community
CASCADE 13 | 2:45 pm | Tim Welch and Laura Reisdorph, WFSE
What’s a blog and why do people blog? Should I blog? Should WFSE? Find
out more about online social profiles and where you fit in. Then join the
conversation about how we integrate blogging into WFSE’s communication
strategy to create a vibrant online community.

Legislative & Political Action

NO on I-1033 - What’s Tim Eyman up to now?
CASCADE 7 & 8 | 1 pm & 2:45 pm | Mindie Reule, The NO Campaign
This latest initiative from Tim Eyman uses the same failed formula as the
“TABOR” law passed in Colorado, where it did so much damage to the state’s
economy that voters suspended the law in 2005. The national recession has
already cost our state thousands of jobs and forced billions in cutbacks. This
initiative’s flawed and rigid budget formula will lock in these cuts for years to
come – hurting our schools, making the health care crisis even worse, and
prolonging the economic downturn.

AFSCME Public Policy

Get informed and get active on health care reform
CASCADE 3 | 1 pm & 2:45 pm | Sally Tyler, AFSCME
Join Sally Tyler of AFSCME’s Public Policy department in a discussion about
efforts to win health care for all - what are the most important issues for
our union, what is in the current legislation and why the next few weeks are
critical for our success.

27
Exhibit Hall
NORTHWEST 1 Friday & Saturday 8 am - 4 pm
Cyber Cafe
Check your email at the Cyber Cafe in the Steward
Exhibit Hall. Four terminals will be available Committee Booth
for delegates and alternates to use. HOURS: Sat. 9 am - 4 pm
• Sign up for Steward in Action trainings
Booths scheduled: • Steward stories and testimonials
WFSE LGBTQI booth • RAFFLE: Notebook Computer; Leath-
WFSE Next Wave booth er Briefcase; The Legal Right of Union
Living History Wall to illustrate our indi- Stewards in a trapper-style binder.
vidual labor history experiences. Share
your pictures, articles, and stories.
Get Connected!
Benefit for Barb & Friends WFSE Online
Local 443 is selling seat cushions to ben-
efit Olympia-area charity in memory of
Communications
Barb O’Neil. HOURS: Fri., 8 am - Noon
Sat., 8 am - 4 pm
Labor History booth WFSE Connects on LaborWeb with syn-
Ross Rieder will be here with labor his- dicated content from the Hotline, Political
tory information and resources. Blog, President blog and now, Bargaining
Health & Wellness booth Unit blogs.
Stop by to check out your basic wellness. Are you a registered user on your Local
Health screenings and information. LaborWeb site? Stop by to register and
learn how you can Get Connected!
Safety & Health booth
CONTEST: Register on your Local’s
LNI representatives with information
LaborWeb site and wear a button to show
about workplace safety. support of efforts to improve online com-
Union Vendors: munications.
Meet with vendors who deliver USA and The local with the highest percentage of
Union-made! registered users - as of 6 PM, Saturday
• Ablemark (10/3) - will win a Flip Video recorder.
• Grays Harbor Stamp
• The Frank Doolittle Company
28

Awarded at the Banquet on Friday evening
Howard Ocobock
PEOPLE Award
Howard Ocobock was a passionate
advocate of PEOPLE and was instru-
mental in raising WFSE’s MVP levels.
The PEOPLE Award is presented to
the Local with the highest percent-
age of MVP-level members.
George Masten
Courage Award
The Courage Award honors a group
or individual who demonstrated the
courage to take a stand with labor.
29
Awards
Awarded in Convention Hall
Rosella Charvet
Leadership Award
The Leadership award is presented
to a member, shop steward, local or
statewide officer or other activist
who demonstrates outstanding lead-
ership skills.
Howard Jorgenson
Organizing Award
The Organizing award is presented
to the WFSE/AFSCME member who
has demonstrated outstanding skills
in the area of organizing.
Job Action of the Year Award
The Job Action award is presented to
the member or members who orga-
nized the most creative and effective
job action since our last Convention
in October 2007.
Medal of Valor Award
Medal of Valor Award is presented
to WFSE/AFSCME members who
have demonstrated bravery and
valor.
Thursday, October 1 | AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

Convention Information & Registration

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Convention Hall foyer

Executive Board Meeting

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | NORTHWEST 1 & 2

• Highlights of previous day

• Speakers & Special Guests
• Upcoming Events N
Y
T IO
L
• Committee Meetings EN
• Workshops
C O N
A
V
I
D
• Games, puzzles

F S E
W

Pick up daily at
news stands outside
the Convention Hall.

30
Friday, October 2 | AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

Committee Chairs Breakfast Meeting

7:30 am | MAXI’S SALON | Page 23

CWS Privatization Pilots - Update

11:00 am | CASCADE 13 | Page 9

PEOPLE Booth
Noon - 5:00 pm | Convention Hall foyer | Back Cover

Convention Information & Registration | Page 10

8:00 am - 5:30 pm | Convention Hall foyer

Exhibit Hall / Cyber Cafe

8:00 am - 4:00 pm | NORTHWEST 1 | Page 28

Convention Committee Meetings

9:00 am - 11:30 am | Page 23

Workshops
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm | Page 25

Delegates/Alternates Reception & Dinner | Page 8

6:30 pm - Reception & Dinner Program | Grand Ballroom

Next Wave Meeting | Page 8

9:00 pm - Members 35 & Under | EVERGREEN 1

31
Saturday, October 3 | AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

PEOPLE Booth
8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Convention Hall foyer | Back Cover

Convention Information & Registration

8:00 am - Noon | Convention Hall foyer (Information remains open until recess)

Exhibit Hall, Cyber Cafe

8:00 am - 4:00 pm | NORTHWEST 1 | Page 28

43rd WFSE Convention Convenes 9:00 am

• Call to Order
• Invocation - Pastor Alex Schmidt
• Guest Speaker - Lee Saunders (Page 22)
• Convention Call, Introductions, Nominations,
Reports, Awards
• Lunch Recess 11:30 am
• Reconvene 1:00 pm
• Guest Speaker, Governor Gregoire 1:30 pm
• Reports, Awards
• Recess

Candidate Forum
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | NORTHWEST 2 | Page 9

PEOPLE MVP Reception | Page 8

8:00 pm - 11:00 pm | Maxi’s Ballroom

32
Sunday, October 4 | AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

Conservative Caucus Breakfast Meeting

7:30 am - 9:00 am | CASCADE 13 | Page 9

Women’s, Equal Partners Breakfast Meeting

7:30 am - 9:00 am | NORTHWEST 1 | Page 9

PEOPLE Booth
8:00 am - 2:00 pm | Convention Hall foyer | Back Cover

43rd WFSE Convention Reconvenes 9:00 AM

• Elections, Awards, Special Guests

• Lunch Program - PEOPLE Auction Noon
• Reconvene 1:00 pm
• Awards, Installation of new officers
• Adjourn

• Highlights of previous day

• Speakers & Special Guests N

LY
TIO
• Upcoming Events EN
• Committee Meetings NV
I
DA
CO
• Workshops
• Games, puzzles F SE
W

33
WFSE Locals
Locals are the heartbeat of the union.
53 Locals
Local 53 - Tacoma area (not UW Tacoma)
Local 304 - Seattle area
Local 308 - King Co. Community Corrections
Local 313 - Vancouver area
Local 330 - Central Washington University
Local 341 - Fircrest/DD/SOLA
Local 378 - Seattle DOT
Local 396 - Walla Walla area
Local 435 - King/Snohomish ES
Local 443 - Olympia/Thurston/Mason
Local 476 - Sedro Woolley area
Local 482 - Veterans Home, Retsil
Local 491 - Rainier/DD/SOLA
Local 504 - Spokane DOT
Local 573 - Lakeland Village/DD/SOLA
Local 716 - Skamania/Klickitat
Local 782 - Medical Lake
Local 793 - WSH/CSTC/Oakridge/SCC
Local 843 - King Co. Human Services
Local 862 - Chehalis area
Local 881 - F&W (statewide)
Local 931 - Eastern Washington University
Local 948 - Snohomish Co. Human Services
Local 970 - Grays Harbor/Pacific/Long Beach
Local 976 - King Co. L&I
Local 1054 - Colville area
Local 1066 - Washington State University
Local 1208 - Davenport DOT
Local 1020 - Everett area
Local 1060 - Northwest Washington area
Local 1181 - Kitsap
Local 1221 - Spokane area
Local 1225 - WSSB/WSSD
Local 1253 - Tri-Cities area
Local 1290 - Chehalis DOT
Local 1291 - Pasco DOT
Local 1299 - North Central Washington
Local 1300 - Whitman & Clarkston
Local 1301 - Ellensburg area (not CWU)
Local 1326 - Yakima area
Local 1381 - WWU/Whatcom CC
Local 1400 - Longview/Kelso area
Local 1463 - Clallam/Jefferson
Local 1466 - Parks & Recreation (statewide)
Local 1488 - Univ of WA/Harborview
Local 1556 - Port Angeles DOT
Local 1681 - Echo Glen
Local 1926 - Maple Lane
Local 1984 - Raymond DOT
Local 2263 - Naselle Youth Camp
Local 2559 - Vancouver DOT
Local 2753 - Fish Hatchery SP1/2 (statewide)
Local 2964 - Fish Hatchery SP3/4 (statewide)
34
 WFSE LOCALS | WFSE/AFSCME Council 28

Field Services Director: Laurie Merta

WFSE/AFSCME Headquarters
1212 Jefferson Street SE, Olympia WA 98501
800-562-6002 www.wfse.org info@wfse.org

WESTERN WASHINGTON (North)

Seattle/King Smokey Point
(206) 525-5363 (360) 659-4333
(800) 924-5754 (800) 967-3816
Local 304 -Seattle Local 476 - SedroWooley
Local 308 - Sea CC Local 948 - Sno HumSrv
Local 341 - Fircrest Local 1020 - Everett
Local 378 - Sea DOT Local 1060 - Skagit/Whatc

35
Local 435 - King ESD Local 1381 -WWU/WCC
Local 843 - King HumSrv
Local 976 - King L&I
Local 1488 - UW/HMC
Local 1681 - EchoGlen
Field Supervisor Brenda Williams 800-924-5754

WESTERN WASHINGTON (South) EASTERN WASHINGTON

Vancouver
(360) 735-1115
(800) 967-9356
Local 313 - Vancouver
Local 716 - Skamania/Klick
Local 862 - Chehalis
Local 970 - Long Beach
Local 1225 - WSSD/WSSB
Local 1290 - Chehalis DOT
Local 1984 - Raymond DOT
Local 1926 - Maple Lane
Local 1400 - LongView/Kelso
Local 2263 - Naselle
Local 2559 - Van DOT
Field Supervisor Bob Keller 800-624-0256
Tacoma Olympia Yakima Spokane
(253) 581-4402 (360) 786-1303 (509) 452-9855 (509) 326-4422
(800) 924-5753 (800) 624-0256 (800) 439-9855 (800) 442-8618
Local 53 - Tacoma Local 443 - Oly/Thu/Mason Local 330 - Ellensburg Local 504 - Spokane DOT
Local 482 - Retsil Local 881 - F&W Local 396 - Walla Walla Local 573 - Lakeland Vlg
Local 491 - Buckley Local 970 - GH/Pacific Local 1291 - Pasco DOT Local 782 - Medical Lake
Local 793 - Lakewood Local 1463 - Pt Angeles Local 1253 - Tri-Cities Local 931 - Cheney
Local 1181 - Kitsap Local 1556 - Pt Angeles Local 1299 - Wenatchee Local 1054 - Colville
Local 1466 - Parks Local 2753 - FishHat 1,2 Local 1301- Ellensburg Local 1221 - Spokane
Local 2964 - FishHat 3,4 Local 1326 - Yakima Local 1300 - Colfax
Local 1066 - Pullman
Local 1208 - Davenport DOT
Field Supervisor Randy Lorello 800-442-8618
WFSE/AFSCME Staff as of 9/2009
Executive Director FIELD SERVICES
Greg Devereux
DIRECTOR
Laurie Merta
EXECUTIVE ASST
Sue Keller FIELD SUPERVISOR FIELD SUPERVISOR FIELD SUPERVISOR
Bob Keller Randy Lorello Brenda Williams

“It’s our job to ensure ADMIN ASST ADMIN ASST ADMIN ASST
Jean Backman Shari Coffman Bobbie Reed
that we have our eye
on the vision; answer OLYMPIA SPOKANE SEATTLE
to the mission; and COUNCIL REPS COUNCIL REPS COUNCIL REPS
Judy DeVoe Kandys Dygert Anne-Marie Cavanaugh
conduct the work Joan Gallagher Electra Jubon James Dannen
according to our core Tana Gann Rick Nesbitt Britt Kauffman
values.” Perry Gordon Dale Roberts (t) Joe Kendo
Amy Murphy ASSOCIATES Robin Ledbetter
Dave Pardy Sharon Etheridge Phedra Quincey
Robyn Steacy Judy Hines Addley Tole
Judy Lumm (t) ASSOCIATES
ASSOCIATES Meghen Elliot
Nancy Agan YAKIMA Tesia Roland
Cam Nguyen COUNCIL REPS Leeanna Shaw
Marlene Rucshner Sue Bottorff
Marcelo Garcia SMOKEY POINT
TACOMA Gus Gonzalez COUNCIL REPS
COUNCIL REPS Robert Masters (t) Phyllis Alexander
Amy Achilles ASSOCIATES Phyllis Naiad
Steve Chenoweth Linda Hancock
Sean Dannen Joeann Pulliam
Gary Hill CONTRACT
ASSOCIATES COMPLIANCE
Dawn Dearinger Jeanine Livingston
Valerie Wilson
CLASSIFICATION
VANCOUVER Kathy Andruss
COUNCIL REPS
Lynnette Knight
Becky Stephens

36
 NEGOTIATIONS ADMINISTRATION PERC ACTIVITIES LEGAL COUNSEL

DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR ATTORNEY

Cecil Tibbetts Liz Larsen Gladys Burbank Anita Hunter

ADMIN ASST ADMIN ASST SPECIALIST

Gena Anderson Vacant Herb Harris

LABOR ADVOCATES TRAVEL COOR

Debbie Brookman Pam Herrick
Sherri-Ann Burke OFFICE MANAGER LEGISLATIVE &
Desiree Desselle PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Mary Donnelly POLITICAL ACTION
Banks Evans
Kurt Spiegel NETWORK ADMIN DIRECTOR DIRECTOR
Renee Hunter Tim Welch Dennis Eagle
DESKTOP SUPPORT
Mike Dyson ASSISTANT ADMIN ASST
SENIOR PRINTER Laura Reisdorph Diana Whitmore
Brandon Day (a) LOBBYISTS
DATA SPECIALIST Matt Zuvich
Tiffany Korn Alia Griffing
ORGANIZING
ASSOCIATES FIELD COOR
Dawn Baker April Sims
DIRECTOR
Angelina Clement Megan Parke
Brandon Day
Christine McGill
Mary Nelson ORGANIZERS
Tom Wharton Diane Blowers
Ann Dietz
FINANCIAL MGR Tim Tharp
Susan Hughes (a) Elizabeth Turnbow (t)
SR ACCOUNTANT ASSOCIATE
Vacant Irene Smith
ASSISTANT
David Snellgrove
ASSOCIATES
Lorena Hagan
Nevin O’Donnell

37
WFSE Executive Board
COUNCIL OFFICERS
Carol Dotlich (WSH), President
William Copland (DOC), Vice President
Lee Novak (DOC), Secretary
Rosemary Sterling (WCC), Treasurer

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

Corrections
Tim Foley (NE Reg)
Iris Peterson (WC Reg)
Alice Rogers (SE Reg)
Employment Security
Philip Huber
Mason Petit Steve Pointec
Human Services
Gayle Chamberlain-Smith (R2)
Daniel D Haem (R4)
Marci Douglas-Bumgarner (R3)
Cheri Garrett (R1)
Tim Hughes (HQ)
Reidun Inman (HQ)
Jacqueline Jones-Walsh (HQ)
Kandy Kraig (HQ)
Ron Kuchler (HQ)
Randall Kurtz (R3)
Steve McGillis (HQ)
Karen Mork (R6)
Katie Nelson (HQ)
Dan Petruso (HQ)
Ursula Petters (R5)
Thomas Tveit (HQ)
Institutions Labor & Industries
Olusegun Adeyemi (Fircrest) Thornton Alberg
Greg Davis (ESH) Donald Cline
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas (Fircrest) Terri Hall
Craig Gibelyou (WSH) Joe Nilsson
Brian Gralapp (ESH) Claudia Sealock
Gabe Hall (JRA/GHS)
Sue Henricksen (Rainier) Miscellaneous
Lyn Hofland (Retsil) Marsha Ballentine (DEL)
Mike Holyan (Rainier) Ingrid Hansen (DOH)
Lee Malinda (Lakeland) Lorana Myers (WSSD)
Stephen Marll (CSS) Natasha Pranger (WSP)
Julianne Moore (YVS) Bruce Ridley (BIAA)
Mike Murphy (Rainier) Shellie Savage (OIC)
Michele Stelovich (HQ) Cheryl West (DOL)
Natural Resources
Institutions of Higher Education Brenda Calico (AG)
Paul Bentsen (UW) Mischa Cowles (Parks)
Richard Clapp (WSU) Mark Fuchs (ECY)
Lin Crowley (TESC) Don Hall (Parks)
Rodolfo Franco (SSC) Doreen Merrill (FW)
John Frazier (UW) Timothy Young (FW)
Rick Halverson (CCSpok)
Steven Hanson (UW) Transportation
Todd Henderson (GR) Gordon Elley
Tom McArthur (EWU) Larry Flue
Betsy McConnell-Gutierrez (SCC) Don Hewitt
James Ritter (UW) Spencer King
Claude Theard (UW) Sue Tellesbo

38
Rules & Order of Business - DRAFT
The Rules Committee will meet on Friday
and move to accept the rules as they ap-
pear here, or offer amendments.
Rule 1. The first order of official business
at this Convention following the opening
ceremonies shall be certification by the
credentials committee that a quorum is
present for the transaction of business.
The second order of official business shall
be the adoption of an agenda for the
Convention.
Rule 2. All questions of a parliamentary
nature not otherwise specifically covered
by these Rules or by the Constitution
of the Washington Federation of State
Employees, Council 28, AFSCME, shall be
decided according to Robert’s Rules of
Order, newly revised.
Rule 3. The meetings of the Conven-
tion shall be called to order as follows:
Saturday, day one, 9:00 a.m. and 1:00
p.m.; the 9:00 a.m. meeting shall termi-
nate not later than 12 noon and the 1:00
p.m. meeting not later that 5:30 p.m. If
business necessitates a Saturday evening
session, the Convention Chair will set its
starting time and termination.
Sunday, day two, 9.00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.;
the 9:00 a.m. meeting shall terminate
not later than 12 noon and the 1:00 p.m.
39
meeting upon completion of convention
business.
Rule 4. Before being granted the floor,
delegates shall proceed to a floor micro-
phone and be recognized by the Chair.
Delegates shall state their name and the
local(s) represented before expressing
views.
Rule 5. No questions shall be subject to
debate until it has been made, seconded,
and stated from the Chair.
Rule 6. Should two or more delegates
rise to speak at the same time, the Chair
shall decide which one is entitled to the
floor. This decision is not subject to ap-
peal.
Rule 7. No delegate shall interrupt an-
other’s remarks, except to rise to a point
of privilege. The Chair shall determine
whether the point raised is a question of
privilege. Delegates shall be respectful
when another delegate is speaking
Rule 8. Speeches on matters of business
shall be limited to three (3) minutes, but
the time may be extended by a vote of
the majority of the delegates present and
via a request to the chair.
Rule 9. If the previous question is moved
and only one side of an issue has been
heard, the Chair shall recognize addi-
tional speakers prior to the vote on the
previous question, alternating between
those in favor of and in opposition to the
pending motion, until three speakers on
the opposite side of the issue have been
heard or until no speakers on the oppo-
site side of the issue are seeking recogni-
tion, whichever comes first.
Rule 10. A delegate may not speak a sec-
ond time on the same question until all
delegates wishing to speak have had an
opportunity to do so.
Rule 11. A delegate may not move the
previous question immediately following
speaking on a motion.
Rule 12. In order to be entitled to a
vote, a delegate must have been properly
seated by the Convention.
Rule 13. Any delegate who wishes to
question the announced result of a voice
vote may rise and call for a Division of
the House (standing vote). At the discre-
tion of the Chair, division will require sup-
port of at least fifty (50) delegates.
Rule 14. Any delegate who wishes to
appeal the announced result of a Division
of the House may request a roll call vote.
Rule 15. A roll call vote shall require the
support of at least fifteen (15) locals. In
order for a local to support a roll call
vote, a majority of its delegates must con-
cur. If a roll call vote has been ordered,
no adjournment or recess or special or-
der of business shall be in order until the
40
vote has been taken and the results an-
nounced.
Rule 16. Whenever a roll call vote is to
be taken, the Treasurer shall call each
local by number and indicate the num-
ber of votes to which each is entitled.
The delegate answering for the local
shall stand, state his/her name and cast
the votes. If a delegate from such local
questions the accuracy of the vote cast
by the local, the Treasurer shall poll the
delegates from such local individually, and
such local’s votes shall be recorded in ac-
cordance with the votes cast by the indi-
vidual delegates.
The number of votes shall be divided
equally among the delegates, with any
remaining votes to be cast by the chair of
the delegation. No fractional votes shall
be permitted, per Article VIII, Section 1,
Constitution and By-laws of the Washing-
ton Federation of State Employees, AFL-
CIO.
Rule 17. Whenever a roll call vote is to
be taken, the Chair shall appoint three
official tellers who shall record the votes
cast by each local.
Rule 18. After a roll call vote has been
taken and all delegates present have
had an opportunity to cast their votes,
the ballot shall be declared closed. An-
nouncement of the vote shall be made as
soon as the results are tabulated.
Rule 19. A motion to reconsider shall
not be entertained unless made by a
delegate who voted with the prevailing
side, and it shall be made and voted upon
not later than the next following session
in which the vote to be reconsidered was
taken.
Rule 20. An appeal from the decision of
the Chair shall not be entertained unless
it has the support of 25 percent of the
accredited delegates.
Rule 21. Motions pertaining to reports
of committees shall be subject to amend-
ment from the floor of the convention in
the same manner as other motions and
resolutions.
Rule 22. A committee may revise, re-
word, amend or combine two or more
resolutions containing the same general
subject matter, or draft a substitute reso-
lution.
Rule 23. When a committee chairperson
is reporting the action of the committee,
the committee chairperson may give a
brief explanation as to why the commit-
tee took the action it did, prior to the
Chair recognizing any other delegates.
Rule 24. Late resolutions from affiliated
locals (those received later than forty-
five (45) days prior to the regular meet-
ing of the Council), except constitutional
amendments, may be dealt with at the
meeting provided that, during the first
day’s regular morning meeting, the del-
egates vote by a two-thirds majority vote
41
to do so.
Rule 25. The Council Executive Board
may introduce resolutions for consider-
ation by the Council at any time up to
the afternoon recess on the first day of
the Council meeting. The President shall
assign such resolutions to the appropriate
committees.
Rule 26. A special order of business for
nominations of officers shall begin at
10:30 a.m. on the first day of the conven-
tion. The Chair of the Elections Com-
mittee shall call for nominations for each
office and immediately after nominations
are closed for each office, the Chair of
the Elections Committee shall offer the
opportunity to each nominee to accept
or decline the nomination by stating yes
or no. Any challenge concerning the eligi-
bility of any nominee shall be filed in writ-
ing with the Chair of the Elections Com-
mittee prior to the noon recess on the
first day. The Election Committee shall
report on the eligibility of the nominee
not later than 4:15 p.m. on the afternoon
of the first day. In any situation where
there is only one nominee or where all
nominees decline except for one, that
nominee shall be declared elected. Any
nominee who subsequently wishes to
withdraw may do so by announcement
from the floor or by written communica-
tion to the Council Secretary, who shall
announce to the convention the receipt
of such communication, at any time pri-
or to the termination of the afternoon
meeting on the first day.
Rule 27. Nominating speeches shall not
exceed three (3) minutes. Seconding
speeches shall not exceed three (3) in
number and shall not exceed two (2)
minutes each.
Rule 28. Should elections be required, a
special order of business for election of
officers shall begin immediately following
the start of business on the second day
of the convention. The election shall be
conducted under the supervision of the
Elections Committee in accordance with
the election rules adopted by this con-
vention.
Rule 29. If an accredited delegate is ab-
sent from the convention and does not
register, an accredited alternate delegate
may be seated in the absent delegate’s
place as an accredited delegate.
Rule 30. If an accredited delegate is away
from the convention floor on other than
convention business, an accredited alter-
nate from the same local may be seated
while wearing both the alternate badge
and the absent delegate’s badge.
Rule 31. Any member in good standing
of an affiliated local, who is not a delegate
or alternate, shall have the right to attend
the convention as a guest.
Rule 32. All persons, with the exception
of special invited guests, attending the
convention in any capacity other than an
42
accredited delegate, shall be seated in a
section marked “Guests.” Members of the
Council 28 Executive Board, who are not
elected delegates, may sit with their re-
spective Local delegations. Such Council
Executive Board members may not vote
on any question before the convention.
Rule 33. Council officers, council staff and
members of the council executive board
are not entitled to vote by virtue of their
office. They can vote only if serving as
delegates, or alternates serving in the ab-
sence of a delegate, but may take part in
all discussions. The President may cast a
vote only to break a tie vote.
Rule 34. Literature may be distributed on
or about the Convention hall only with
prior approval of the President.
Rule 35. Displays shall be permitted in or
adjacent to the Convention headquarters
or meeting site only after authorization by
the President.
Rule 36. No smoking will be allowed in
convention committee meetings or in the
convention hall.
Rule 37. Electronic communication devic-
es will not be audible on the Convention
floor; only the chair may make exceptions
to this rule.
WFSE Constitution
PREAMBLE
To protect and advance, through united action, the
welfare of public service employees, and to en-
sure the union is a positive force in worker’s lives,
families, and communities, we therefore adopt this
Constitution.
ARTICLE I - NAME AND HEADQUARTERS
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be
the Washington Federation of State Employees,
Council No. 28 of the American Federation of
State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
(AFSCME).
Section 2. The headquarters of this Council shall
be in Olympia, Washington.
ARTICLE II - AFFILIATIONS
This Council shall be affiliated with the American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Em-
ployees, AFL-CIO and with the Washington State
Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
ARTICLE III - PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization shall be:
A. To organize and empower individuals to create
a powerful collective voice.
B. To unite the Washington State Employee Lo-
cal Unions of Council 28, AFSCME for mutual
welfare, protection and advancement.
C. To achieve and maintain excellent wages, hours,
benefits, working conditions, and job security.
D. To coordinate state legislative programs of
Washington State Employee Local Unions of
Council 28, AFSCME.
E. To represent local unions before appropriate
legislative bodies, boards, commissions and
committees.
F. To assist local unions with organizational, educa-
tional, publicity, and promotional programs.
G. To work with local unions in the processing of
43
grievances and negotiating of agreements.
H. To respond to the needs and direction of the
membership.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. The membership of this Council
shall consist of all AFSCME State Employee Lo-
cal Unions and all AFSCME Private Sector Local
Unions whose members perform services which
were previously performed by, or are similar to
those performed by state employees in the State
of Washington chartered by the AFSCME.
Section 2. If the AFSCME should revoke the
charter, suspend, or expel a local union affiliated
with the Council, it shall automatically cease to
be a member of the Council. Any local, whose
membership is thus terminated, shall be automati-
cally reinstated as a member of this Council upon
reinstatement by the AFSCME.
Section 3. The Council 28 President is authorized,
with the approval of the Council 28 Executive
Board, to establish alternative forms of member-
ship, including special rules governing the rights
and obligations of such members, for groups of
workers for whom regular membership is deter-
mined to be inappropriate based upon the nature
of the workers’ employment relationship or limita-
tions on their legal rights in the workplace. Any
special rules governing the rights and obligations of
such members shall, to the extent required by law,
be subject to the approval of the next Council bi-
ennial convention provided that, such special rules
shall not be inconsistent with the International
Constitution and shall not operate to diminish any
rights of membership protected by the Interna-
tional Constitution unless such rules have been ap-
proved by the International Executive Board pur-
suant to Article III, Section 1H of the International
Constitution.
ARTICLE V - POLICY COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Council shall be divided into Policy
Committees representing the employees with a
community of interest within a single division or
multiple divisions of an agency, a single agency,
or groupings of agencies, a single bargaining unit,
groupings of bargaining units, or employees with a
community of interest due to the performance of
similar job duties. These committees as of October
2005 are:
A. Institutions Policy Committee
B. Public Assistance and Health Policy Committee
C. Transportation Policy Committee
D. Institutions of Higher Education Policy Com-
mittee
E. Department of Labor and Industries Policy
Committee
F. Employment Security Policy Committee
G. Miscellaneous Code Departments and Elective
Officials Policy Committee. (This committee
shall represent all local union members not
under the jurisdiction of an established Policy
Committee).
H. Corrections Policy Committee
I. Natural Resources Policy Committee (Wash-
ington State Departments of Agriculture, Ecol-
ogy, Fish & Wildlife, Natural Resources, and the
Parks and Recreation Commission and Inter-
agency Committee for Outdoor Recreation).
J. Any new Policy Committee established by the
Executive Board as provided in Section 2 of
this article.
The Council Executive Board shall have the au-
thority to review and modify the name and juris-
diction of any policy group between Conventions.
Such action shall require a two-thirds vote of the
members of the Executive Board.
Section 2. After the biennial Convention of each
odd-numbered year, and before the next biennial
Convention, twenty-five or more of the members
in good standing of one or more locals affiliated
with this Council may file a petition with the Sec-
retary requesting the Executive Board to establish
44
a new Policy Committee. No such petition shall
be considered unless it contains the signature,
address, and local number of each petitioner; the
reasons why the new Policy Committee is desired;
and the community of interest of the members
who would be included in the proposed new
committee. The Executive Board, after careful in-
vestigation, shall have the power to either grant or
deny the petition, and its decision shall not be sub-
ject to review except by the delegates to a bien-
nial Convention or special meeting of the Council.
Section 3. The purpose of the Policy Committees
shall be to develop and carry out such programs
as are peculiar to employees within their jurisdic-
tion, and on other matters to develop recommen-
dations for consideration by the Council’s Execu-
tive Board. They shall also elect and designate
representatives to the Council’s Executive Board
as hereinafter provided.
Section 4. The draft minutes of the Policy Com-
mittee shall be submitted to the Council head-
quarters office within fifteen (15) days following
any meeting.
ARTICLE VI - REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES
Section 1. The monthly membership dues rate of
all locals affiliated with this Council shall be 1.50%
of each member’s actual salary, each pay period,
computed on each individual’s salary range and
step, exclusive of overtime, callback and penalty
pay, shift differential, standby pay, equipment pre-
mium pay, holiday premium pay, terminal leave pay,
sick leave cash-out pay, or commute trip reduction
payments, up to a maximum of seventy-five dollars
($75.00) effective January 1,2008, provided the
maximum dues payable shall be increased in direct
proportion to the weighted average percentage
of general salary increases for all bargaining unit
members effective the month the majority of
members receive the salary increase.
Section 2. Effective January 1 2008, all locals affili-
ated with this Council shall receive a monthly per
capita tax as follows:
A. For Members: four dollars and eight cents
($4.08) per member per month from total
dues collected for each member unit. This
amount shall be referred to as the “local mem-
ber per capita tax.”
B. For Representation Fee payers: three-quarters
(3/4) of the local member per capita amount
less the non-chargeable percentage for each
fee payer unit.
The local member per capita tax shall be adjusted
as follows:
C. Dues rate increase/decrease: the local member
per capita tax will be increased/decreased by
ten percent (10%) of the increase/decrease in
the average dues resulting from a dues rate ad-
justment, rounded to the nearest cent effective
with the month the dues increase is effective.
D. General salary Increase: the local member per
capita tax will be increased by the same per-
centage as the maximum dues payable.
E. AFSCME annual International per capita tax
increase: the local member per capita tax will
be reduced by 10% of the AFSCME annual
International per capita tax increase amount
effective with the next General Salary or Dues
increase.
Council will remit per capita taxes to the locals
within thirty (30) days of the end of each month.
The Council shall place not more than ten cents
($.10) per member per month of each Local’s per
capita tax in the Council’s Travel Fund. In addition,
the Council shall place not more than ten cents
($.10) per member per month of the Council’s
per capita in the Council’s Travel Fund. The Council
Executive Board shall adopt the rules governing
the reimbursement for Policy Committee meet-
ings and all other travel reimbursements from the
Travel Fund. The Council Executive Board shall
have authority to set the specific amount to be
contributed to the Travel Fund.
Section 3. Monthly per capita taxes established
by AFSCME International will be paid to AFSCME
International within thirty (30) days of the end of
each month.
45
Section 4. Monthly per capita taxes will be paid
to Central Labor Councils as determined by the
Executive Board within thirty (30) days of the end
of each month.
Section 5. Exclusive of per capita requirements
referenced in Sections 2, 3 and 4, the Council
shall retain, per member, agency fee payer, and
representation fee payer per month, the amount
remaining to fund the various programs contained
within the approved Council budget. Any net in-
come at the end of each fiscal year will be placed
in a Reserve Fund. The Reserve Fund may not be
expended for any purpose without specific autho-
rization of the Council 28 Executive Board.
Section 6. Special assessments may be levied on
the members of affiliated locals by a two-thirds
vote of the delegates present at a biennial Con-
vention or a special meeting of the Council.
Section 7. All union dues/fees payable by mem-
bers or agency fee payers and representation fee
payers in certified bargaining units shall be paid to
the Washington Federation of State Employees,
AFL-CIO, Council 28 through payroll deduction,
except where payroll deduction is not available or
applicable.
Section 8. The expenses of members of the Exec-
utive Board for the purpose of attending Executive
Board meetings shall be paid by the Council.
Section 9. The Executive Board shall have the
power to establish such rules, regulations and
restrictions, consistent with the Council’s Consti-
tution, as it may deem necessary with respect to
expenditures from the Council treasury, subject to
such modifications as may be pursuant to a major-
ity vote of the delegates to a biennial Convention
or special meeting of the Council.
Section 10. The Council is hereby authorized to
publish a newspaper for a minimum of 10 months
each year, to be distributed to each member of
the local unions and to be funded from the regular
monthly dues of the members.
Section 11. The Executive Board may allow remu-
neration to the President, Vice-President, Secretary
and Treasurer for services rendered in their elec-
tive capacity, but in each instance, except “time
loss” and reimbursement of actual expenses, the
Executive Board shall notify every affiliated local
as to the name of the office of the recipient, the
amount allowed, and the nature of the services
rendered for which remuneration is allowed. No
voucher or check shall be drawn in payment of
any remuneration allowed by authority of this sec-
tion unless the Executive Board then in office first
authorized such payment without regard to the
action taken by any previous Executive Board.
Section 12. No check shall be drawn on funds
coming into possession of the Council without
documentation clearly setting forth the nature and
amount of the expenditures. Each check must have
the signature of the Treasurer and the President,
or in the absence or incapacity of either of them
the Vice-President in lieu of the absent person, in
accordance with such rules and regulations as the
Executive Board may prescribe; provi¬ded, that
the Finance Committee may select two Council
28 staff members who may sign each check mak-
ing payment of the various per capita taxes due
and payments of P.E.O.P.L.E. funds to the Interna-
tional Union, provided each check contains two
approved signatures. The signatories will approve
payments made.
ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS
Section 1. The Council biennial Convention shall
be held in odd-numbered years and on a Saturday
and Sunday in September or October but may
also be convened on the preceding Friday. The call
to the biennial Convention shall be issued at least
120 days preceding the commencement of the
Convention. The Convention city shall be selected
by the Executive Board.
A. All Convention committees shall meet prior to
the convening of the Convention, if necessary.
B. All committee members shall be notified by let-
ter of committee appointments by the Council
President fifteen (15) days prior to the conven-
ing of the Convention.
46
Section 2. A special meeting of this Council may
be called by one-third of the affiliated locals or by
two-thirds vote of the members of the Executive
Board by filing a request with the President des-
ignating the time and place for the meeting which
shall be no sooner than fourteen (14) days’ subse-
quent to the date of such filing and the President
shall immediately issue a call to the locals.
Section 3. The authority of the organization shall
originate in the biennial Convention or special
meetings of the Council. Delegates to the biennial
Convention or special meetings shall determine
matters of policy, and may delegate such authority
as they may determine. The biennial Convention
or a special meeting of this Council shall be the
court of last recourse for all appeals which may
be made by any member from any decision of any
body or committee of the Council except as pro-
vided in Article X of the Constitution of the AF-
SCME and except for decisions on grievance merit
as provided in the Council 28 grievance policy.
Section 4. A quorum for the transaction of busi-
ness shall consist of delegates from not less than
one-third of the affiliated locals properly seated at
the biennial Convention or special meeting of the
Council.
ARTICLE VIII - REPRESENTATION
Section 1. Locals shall be entitled to delegates to
the biennial Convention or special meetings of
the Council on the basis of one (1) for each fifty
(50) members or fraction thereof. Regardless of
the number of delegates, locals shall be entitled to
vote on the basis of one (1) vote for each mem-
ber. Locals entitled to more than one delegate
may send fewer than their quota of delegates and
the delegates present may cast the entire vote of
the local on all recorded votes and elections com-
ing before the Convention. The number of votes
shall be divided equally among the delegates, with
any remaining votes to be cast by the chairper-
son of the delegation. No fractional votes shall be
permitted.
Section 2. All delegates and alternates to the bien-
nial Convention or special meetings of the Council
shall be members in good standing of their respec-
tive local unions.
Section 3. No delegates or alternates shall be
allowed representation or recognition at the bien-
nial Convention or special meetings of the Council
unless their local union is a member of the Council
as provided in Article IV of this constitution.
Section 4. Two or three local unions may unite
in sending a delegate to the biennial Convention
or special meeting of the Council provided such
delegate is a member in good standing of one such
local unions. Said delegate shall be entitled to the
votes to which the local unions so represented are
entitled in accordance with Section 1 of this Ar-
ticle. No delegate shall represent more than three
locals, including their own
Section 5. All delegates to the biennial Convention
or special meetings of this Council shall be elected
by the respective local unions they represent, and
the names of such delegates shall be certified by
the president and secretary of the local union to
the Secretary of the Council at the Council Head-
quarters office. This certification must be received
at least sixty (60) days prior to the commence-
ment of the biennial Convention.
The Council Executive Board shall determine the
date of receipt of certification for special meetings
of the Council. If such certification includes two
or more delegates, the certification shall designate
one of the delegates as chairperson of the delega-
tion.
Section 6. The membership of locals for the pur-
pose of computing the number of delegates and
votes to which each local is entitled at the biennial
Convention shall be determined on the basis of
their average monthly member per capita tax pay-
ments for the twelve-month period ending ten full
calendar months before the month of said sched-
uled meeting; provided, however, that the mem-
bership of locals which affiliate or re-affiliate after
the beginning of the above-defined twelve-month
period shall be determined on the basis of their
47
average monthly member per capita tax for the full
period of their affiliation up to the month preced-
ing that of the scheduled meeting. The Council
Executive Board shall determine the membership
of the locals for the purpose of computing the
number of delegates and votes to which each local
is entitled for special meetings of the Council.
ARTICLE IX - OFFICERS
The officers of this Council shall consist of: Presi-
dent, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
ARTICLE X - DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF
OFFICERS
Section 1. The President shall act at all times in a
manner, which will maintain the organization and
benefit its members. The President shall preside
at the biennial Convention and all special meet-
ings of the Council, at all meetings of the Executive
Board, appoint all committees, except the Finance
and Personnel Committees and shall be a member
ex-officio of all committees. The President shall
have authority to call special meetings of the Ex-
ecutive Board at any time provided that reasonable
notice is given to Board members. The President
shall have his/her signature on all checks drawn on
Council funds, as provided in Article VI, Section 12
of this constitution. At the conclusion of the term,
the President shall submit a report to the Council
regarding the official acts during that term of office.
Section 2. The Vice-President shall actively assist
the President in conducting the business of the
Council in every way possible. In the absence of
the President, the Vice-President shall preside at all
meetings and perform all duties otherwise per-
formed by the President.
Section 3. The Secretary in office at the time of
each biennial Convention or special meeting of the
Council shall be responsible for preparing a record
of the minutes thereof within 30 days following
adjournment of such Convention or special meet-
ing. This record shall be reviewed by the retiring
officers of the Council, and it shall be the respon-
sibility of the President and Secretary currently in
office to ensure the final preparation and distribu-
tion of such minutes to the affiliated locals.
The Secretary shall be responsible, with the as-
sistance of the Council office staff, to prepare and
distribute minutes of the Council’s Executive Board
meetings.
Draft minutes of Executive Board meetings shall
be mailed to members of the Council Executive
Board and to all locals affiliated with the Council
within thirty (30) calendar days after such meet-
ings. These draft minutes shall be sent electroni-
cally to any Council Executive Board member or
affiliated Local who request an electronic copy.
Section 4. The Treasurer shall be responsible for
the funds and financial records of the Council. It
shall also be the duty of the Treasurer to assure
the books and records of the Council are audited
annually by a Certified Public Accountant in time
to submit the audit report to the biennial Conven-
tion, covering the two preceding fiscal years, each
running from July 1 to June 30 and that a copy of
each audit is sent to the International Secretary-
Treasurer.
Subject to the prior approval of the Executive
Board, the Treasurer will assure that funds are bor-
rowed, or Council funds are invested in the name
of the Council. In the absence or incapacity of the
Treasurer, the President or Vice-President may ex-
ercise the same authority.
The duties of the Treasurer shall be to assure that:
A. All funds received are deposited to the credit
of the Council in financial institutions approved
by the Executive Board
B. All checks drawn on Council funds bear his/her
signature except those which, in the absence
or incapacity of the Treasurer, may be signed by
the Vice-President, or as provided in Article Vl,
Section 12 of this Constitution.
C. The Treasurer’s report be provided to the Ex-
ecutive Board members.
D. Monthly financial statements are provided with
the Treasurer’s report to the Executive Board.
E. A statement of assets handled for the purpose
of computing the amount of the required sure-
48
ty bonds covering all officers and employees of
the Council is submitted to the International
Secretary-Treasurer by March 1 of each year, as
required by the International.
F. Affiliation fees are paid to the AFSCME Central
Labor Bodies and affiliated Locals, as provided
in Article Vl Sections 2, 3, and 9 of this Consti-
tution.
G. Assure the maintenance of the financial records
of the Council according to sound accounting
practices and shall certify the same, subsequent
to each annual audit of the books and records.
All financial records shall be retained in their
original form for a maximum of six years from
the date of such records.
ARTICLE Xl - THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The Executive Board of this Council
shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Sec-
retary, Treasurer, and representation from each
Policy Committee, which shall be based on one (1)
board member for each 500 members or fraction
thereof, provided that each Policy Committee shall
have not less than two (2) Executive Board mem-
bers. The Council Treasurer will notify the Policy
Committees whose membership increased for a
period of four (4) consecutive calendar months so
as to affect that Policy Committee’s representation
on the Council Executive Board. Policy Commit-
tees that are entitled to additional Board members
as a result of an increase in membership, after the
Policy Committee meeting held in accordance with
Article XIV, Section 3, and before the next such
meeting, may nominate and elect additional Coun-
cil Executive Board members at any intervening
Policy Committee meeting, so long as it is done
in keeping with subsections A, B, B1, B2, and B4 of
Section 3, Article XIV of this Constitution Execu-
tive Board members so elected shall serve until
the next Policy Committee meeting held in accor-
dance with Article XIV, Section 3.
Section 2. The President, Vice-President, Secre-
tary, and Treasurer shall be nominated, elected
and installed at the special meeting of the Council
in October 2005 and each biennial Convention.
Their term of office shall begin the day they are
elected and shall end during the next following
biennial Convention on the day when officers of
the Council are again elected. All other members
of the Executive Board shall be nominated, elected,
installed and serve for the term prescribed by Ar-
ticle XIV of this Constitution
Section 3. No person shall be a member of the
Executive Board and continue in office unless that
person is a member in good standing of a local
union affiliated with this Council, and said local
union must at all times be a member of this Coun-
cil, as provided in Article IV of this constitution,
provided that the member maintains membership
in the Policy Committee he/she was elected to
represent.
Section 4. In the event a Policy Committee sus-
tains a membership decrease that over a period
of four (4) consecutive months would affect the
Executive Board membership entitlement of the
Policy Committee, a reduction in the number of
Executive Board members from the Policy Com-
mittee shall occur in inverse order of election. The
effective date of said reduction shall occur the first
day of the month following the four (4) consecu-
tive month period.
ARTICLE XII - DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF
THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The Council Executive Board shall be
the highest legislative and policy-making body of
this Council except when the Convention is in
session. The Council Executive Board shall possess
all the legislative and policy-making authority of
the Convention except the power to amend the
constitution, the power to levy special assessments.
The Council Executive Board shall have the au-
thority to make binding interpretations of this con-
stitution, and the rules and decisions of the board
shall remain in full force and effect unless reversed
by the biennial Convention or a special meeting
of the Council. The Council Executive Board may
designate one or more of the Council officers to
sign documents in the name of the Council.
49
Section 2. An executive committee of the Coun-
cil Executive Board is hereby created and shall
be composed of the Council President, who shall
serve as chairperson; the Council Vice-President,
the Council Secretary, who shall serve as Secre-
tary; the Council Treasurer; and the Council execu-
tive director. The executive committee shall meet
on the call of the Council President.
The executive committee shall have the power
to act on all matters on which the Council Ex-
ecutive Board is empowered to act, when, in the
judgment of the President and Council executive
director, action cannot be postponed until the
next full board meeting, subject to the approval of
the Council Executive Board at its next meeting,
except the power to fill vacancies in the member-
ship of the Council Executive Board. The executive
committee shall periodically review Convention
actions and make status reports on such actions
to the full Executive Board and locals involved,
including recommendations for further actions by
the Executive Board. The executive committee
shall serve as the Council’s legislative committee.
Draft minutes of executive committee meetings
shall be mailed to all members of the Council
Executive Board and to all locals affiliated with the
Council within thirty (30) calendar days after such
meetings.
Section 3. The Council Executive Board shall cre-
ate from its membership a finance committee.
The finance committee shall be composed of the
Council President, who shall serve as chairperson;
the Council Treasurer; and three other members,
who shall be elected by and from the members of
the Council Executive Board. Except for the Coun-
cil President and Council Treasurer. Council Execu-
tive Board members who are members of the
executive committee shall be ineligible to serve
on the finance committee. Major expenditures of
funds of the Council, other than ordinary operat-
ing expenses, and the establishment of new staff
positions shall be authorized or approved by the
finance committee. The three elected members
of the finance committee shall be responsible for
semi-annual review and recommend concurrence
or non-concurrence of officers’ expenditures.
The sub-committee shall forward this semi-annual
report to the Executive Board. The finance com-
mittee shall be responsible for the development
of a proposed annual budget, which shall be pre-
sented to the full Executive Board for adoption
and such other financial matters that are referred
to the finance committee by the Executive Board.
All acts of the finance committee shall be subject
to the approval of the Council Executive Board
at its next meeting. Draft minutes of meetings of
the finance committee shall be made available to
the full Executive Board within thirty (30) calendar
days following such meetings.
Section 4. The Council Executive Board shall
employ an executive director. A joint meeting of
the Executive Officers and Personnel Committee
shall be held to review the executive director’s
contract and prepare a draft proposal that shall be
presented to the Executive Board for approval at
least 30 days prior to the expiration of the existing
contract.
The Executive Board may delegate such authority
as is not in conflict with this constitution to the ex-
ecutive director. The executive director shall be the
appointing authority for all Council staff after the
approval of the position by the Executive Board
subject to the determination of the availability of
funds by the finance committee.
Section 5. The Executive Board shall prescribe
such general rules as may be necessary to govern
the activities of Policy Committees.
Section 6. The Council Executive Board shall hold
at least three general meetings in each year. Dur-
ing a biennial Convention year, the Council Execu-
tive Board shall hold one general meeting within
thirty (30) days preceding the biennial Convention.
Additional meetings will be held on call of the
Council President or on call of six Executive Board
members representing at least four different Policy
Committees upon written notice to the Council
President.
50
Section 7. The Council Secretary shall give rea-
sonable notice of the time and place of all general
meetings of the Executive Board to each member
of the Executive Board and to all subordinate bod-
ies.
Section 8. A majority of the members of the
Council Executive Board shall be required for a
quorum to transact business at all general meet-
ings of the board.
Section 9. The Council Executive Board shall cre-
ate from its membership a five (5) member per-
sonnel committee (no more than one member
from any one Policy Committee). The members
of this personnel committee shall be elected by
and from the members of the Council Execu-
tive Board. The elected members of the person-
nel com¬mittee will elect their own chairperson.
Executive Board members, with the exception of
the President, who are members of the execu-
tive committee, shall be ineligible to serve on the
personnel committee. The personnel committee
will develop personnel policies regarding the hir-
ing of Council staff as recommendations for final
approval by the Executive Board. The personnel
committee will also develop recommendations
on the structure and process of union manage-
ment relations with the Council staff ’s union; and
the composition of any committee(s) to negotiate
with the Council staff ’s union, for final determina-
tion by the Executive Board.
Section 10. When charges are filed at the Council
level in accordance with Article X of the AFSCME
Constitution, a five (5) member trial body sub-
committee shall be appointed from the Council
Executive Board to conduct the trial. The Coun-
cil Executive Board shall, by majority vote of the
board, appoint the chairperson and other four (4)
members of this sub-committee. The sub-commit-
tee shall report, in writing, to the full membership
of the Executive Board who shall then make the
decision and assess the penalty, if any.
ARTICLE XIII - NOMINATION AND
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1. Nomination and election of officers
shall be conducted in accordance with Elections
Code, Appendix D, of the International Constitu-
tion supplemented by the following sections:
Section 2. Nomination and election for the offices
of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasur-
er may be conducted and completed concurrently.
Section 3. All nominations shall be made from
the floor during a general session of the biennial
Convention or the October 2005 special meeting
of the Council. A member may not be a candidate
for more than one office. Nominations shall be
taken by a member of the Convention elections
committee. Only an accredited delegate or alter-
nate serving in the absence of a delegate shall be
entitled to nominate or participate in the election.
Section 4. If more than one candidate is nomi-
nated for office, an election by secret ballot must
be held. If only one candidate is nominated, the
presiding elections committee member shall im-
mediately declare said candidate elected by accla-
mation.
Section 5. The aggregate number of votes to
which each affiliated local is entitled shall be de-
termined as provided in Article VIII of this consti-
tution. That number of votes, and no more, shall
be divided among the accredited delegates of
each local in accordance with Article VLSI, Section
1 of this constitution.
Section 6. A majority of all the votes cast shall be
necessary to elect a candidate. When more than
two candidates are nominated for a single office,
and none of them received a majority of the votes
cast, all candidates except the two who received
the most votes cast shall be dropped, and a sec-
ond ballot shall be cast.
ARTICLE XIV-NOMINATION AND ELECTION
OF OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE
BOARD
Section 1. Nomination and election of all other
51
members of the Executive Board shall be con-
ducted in accordance with Elections Code, Ap-
pendix D, of the International Constitution as
supplemented by the following sections:
Section 2. Each Policy Committee shall elect the
number of Council 28 Executive Board members
to which they are entitled under the provisions of
Article Xl of this constitution.
Section 3. All Policy Committee Council 28 Board
members shall be nominated and elected by their
respective Policy Committees in accordance with
Article XI, Section 1, within sixty (60) days after
adjournment of the October 2005 special meet-
ing of the Council and, thereafter, within sixty (60)
days after adjournment of the Council’s biennial
Convention.
A. The chairperson shall issue a meeting call to all
affiliated locals having membership employed
in the agencies within the jurisdiction of the
respective Policy Committees, as defined by
Article V, Section 1, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and
J, at least ten (10) days before the meeting at
which the election is to be conducted. Such
notice shall clearly indicate that the Board
members will be elected, and the number to
be elected. Such notices shall be processed
through the Council office, in consultation with
the Executive Director of Council 28.
B. The election shall be conducted in accordance
with the Policy Committee Constitutions, sub-
ject to the following restrictions:
B 1. No one who attends a Policy Committee
meeting shall participate in the nomination
or election of candidates for the Executive
Board unless that person is an accredited
delegate, or an accredited alternate serving
in the absence of a delegate, actively em-
ployed in a State Agency within the jurisdic-
tion of the Policy Committee.
B 2. All nominations shall be made from the
floor.
B 3. Members in good standing of any local
union affiliated with Council 28, who are ac-
 tively employed within the Agency or Agen-
cies comprising the Policy Committee, shall
be eligible to be nominated and elected,
provided the nominees are either present
at the electionmeeting or have previously
given assurance to the nominator that they
will serve if elected.
B 4. Nomination and election shall be con-
ducted separately for each Board posi-
tion. If only one candidate for a position is
nominated, the presiding officer shall then
immediately declare the candidate elected
by acclamation and open nominations for
the next position. If more than one candi-
date is nominated for any one position, a
secret ballot shall be cast by each delegate
to the Policy Committee who is present.
No candidate shall be declared elected by
secret ballot unless that candidate receives
a majority of all the ballots that are cast.
When more than two candidates are nomi-
nated for a single position on the Executive
Board, and no one receives a majority of all
votes cast, then all candidates except the
two who received the most votes shall be
dropped and a second ballot shall be cast.
B 5. The Policy Committee Secretary shall
forward a copy of the complete minutes
to the executive director of the Council
within fifteen (15) days after the election.
Such minutes shall list the names, phone
numbers, home addresses, home email ad-
dresses and employer of the duly elected
Board members.
Section 4. Members of the Executive Board of
Council 28 who are elected to represent the
Policy Committee shall take office on the day they
are elected. Their term of office shall expire on
the day the Policy Committee again elects mem-
bers to represent it on the Executive Board but,
in any event, shall expire sixty (60) days after the
next biennial Convention following their election
to the Executive Board, whichever time comes
52
first. In the event the Policy Committee fails to
elect members to represent it on the Executive
Board within sixty (60) days after the biennial
Convention, each vacancy occurring by reason of
that failure shall be filled in the manner prescribed
by Article XV, Section 3 of this Constitution.
ARTICLE XV - FILLING OF VACANCIES AND
REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Section 1. Should a vacancy occur in the office of
President of the Council between biennial Con-
ventions, the Vice-President shall become Presi-
dent.
Section 2. Should a vacancy occur in the office of
Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer between
the biennial Conventions, such vacancies shall be
filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Section 3. Should a vacancy occur in the Execu-
tive Board other than in the office of President,
Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer, the Policy
Committee from which the vacancy occurs shall
elect a member to fill the vacancy. If the Policy
Committee does not act within sixty (60) days
after the vacancy has been announced, the Execu-
tive Board shall have authority to fill the vacancy
by appointment of a member from the Policy
Committee in which the vacancy occurred.
Section 4. Should any officer or Executive Board
member be absent, without excuse acceptable by
the board, from three regular meetings, that posi-
tion shall automatically be vacated.
ARTICLE XVI - OBTAINING APPROVAL FOR
LOCAL ACTIONS
Section 1. A local wishing to place an elective offi-
cial or public officer on an official “Unfair to Orga-
nized Labor” list shall file an official written request
with the Council executive director. This request
must be approved by a majority of the Council
Executive Board before such action will be permit-
ted. If the Council Executive Board approves the
request, Council staff will immediately transmit to
Central Labor bodies, the Washington State Labor
Council, and the regional offices of the National
AFL-CIO a full statement on why such action has the power to act as agent for or otherwise bind
been taken and the Council staff shall ensure that the Council in any way whatsoever. No member
wide publicity is given this action. or group of members or other person or persons
ARTICLE XVII - AMENDMENTS TO THE shall have the power to act on behalf of or other-
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS wise bind the Council except to the extent specifi-
cally authorized in writing by the President of the
Section 1. Proposed amendments to this Consti-
Council or by the Executive Board of the Council.
tution and By-Laws, except proposals to change
the Council’s per capita tax, shall be submitted
in writing to the Secretary of the Council at the
Council Headquarters office at least forty-five
(45) days prior to the biennial Convention at
which a vote is to be taken and no less than four-
teen (14) days prior to a special meeting as deter-
mined by the Council Executive Board. Proposals
submitted by a local union shall bear the signature
of the local’s president and secretary. The Secre-
tary of the Council shall transmit such proposed
amendments, except proposals to change the
Council’s per capita tax, to the locals at least thirty
(30) days prior to the biennial Convention and no
less than seven (7) days prior to a special meeting
as determined by the Council Executive Board. A
two-thirds affirmative vote of the delegates voting
shall be necessary for adoption. Proposed amend-
ments to change the Council’s per capita tax shall
be processed in accordance with Article III, Reso-
lutions, Section 3 of the By-Laws and shall require
a two-thirds affirmative vote of the delegates vot-
ing for adoption
Section 2. Amendments to this Constitution and
By-Laws shall be subject to the approval of the
International President in accordance with Article
IX of the International Constitution.
ARTICLE XVIII
Section 1. This Council’s activities shall be subject
to the provisions of the International Constitu-
tion. Wherever a conflict should occur between
the provisions of this constitution and by-laws and
those of the International, those of the International
shall prevail.
Section 2. Except to the extent specified in this
constitution, no officer of the Council shall have

53
 WFSE By-Laws
ARTICLE I - ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call of Officers
3. Presentation of Credentials Admission of Del-
egates
4. Reading of Minutes
5. Report of Committees
6. Communications and Bills
7. Nomination of officers shall be a special order
of business at 10:30 a.m. on the first Saturday
of the regular Council meeting.
8. Election of officers shall be a special order
of business immediately following the start
of business on Sunday of the regular Council
meeting.
9. Unfinished Business
10. New Business
11. Report of Delegates
12. Welfare of Union
13. Obligation of Officers
14. Adjournment cannot take place until the Spe-
cial Order of Business has been completed.
ARTICLE II - OFFICER OBLIGATION
“1,_______, promise and pledge that I will per-
form faithfully and with honor the duties of the
office which I now assume in the Washington
Federation of State Employees, AFSCME. I pledge
to fight for a society where all workers can seek
economic and social justice through participation
in their union and our democracy. I will work for
these goals by organizing unorganized workers,
mobilizing workers to participate in the political
process, and fighting to gain and defend the best
54
possible working standards through contracts and
legislation. I acknowledge that it is a privilege to
serve this office and I promise that I will deliver to
my successor in office all books, papers and other
property of this union which in my possession at
the close of my official term.”
ARTICLE III - RESOLUTIONS
Section 1. Members of the Council may bring mat-
ters, including constitutional amendments, before
the biennial Convention or a special meeting of
the Council by means of resolutions submitted to
and approved by the local union of which they are
members. Such resolutions must be signed by the
president and secretary of the local union submit-
ting them. The Council Executive Board may re-
strict the type and/or topic of resolutions coming
before a special meeting of the Council.
Section 2. The Council Executive Board may intro-
duce resolutions for consideration by the Council
at any time up to the afternoon recess on the first
day biennial Convention.
Section 3. Resolutions for consideration at a bien-
nial Convention shall be submitted in writing, to
the Secretary of the Council at the Council head-
quarters office at least forty-five (45) days prior to
the date of the biennial Convention, except that
proposals to amend the constitution by chang-
ing the Council’s per capita tax shall be submitted
to the Executive Board ninety (90) day prior to
the opening of the biennial Convention. Resolu-
tions for consideration at a special meeting of the
Council shall be submitted no less than fourteen
(14) days prior to the date of the special meeting
except that proposals to amend the constitution
by changing the Council’s per capita tax shall be
submitted to the Executive Board no less than
thirty (30) days prior to the opening of the special ARTICLE VI - CREDENTIALS FOR DELEGATES
meeting. The Executive Board shall submit the pro- Credentials for delegates to the biennial Conven-
posed change in per capita tax with their recom- tion shall be submitted to the Council Secretary
mendation and justification to all affiliated locals at the Council Headquarters office at least sixty
sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the biennial (60) days before the date of the meeting which
Convention. They shall bear the signature of the the delegates are to attend. The Executive Board
president and secretary of the local union submit- shall determine the date of receipt of credential
ting them. for special meetings of the Council.
Section 4. The Secretary of the Council shall ar-
range that each delegate to the biennial Conven- ARTICLE VII - ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER
tion, and each Executive Board member, shall be All questions of parliamentary nature not pro-
sent a copy of the resolutions at least thirty (30) vided for in this Constitution and By-Laws shall be
days prior to the date of the biennial Convention. decided by Robert’s Rules of Order as revised.
Section 5. Resolutions from affiliated locals, except
resolutions to change the constitution by chang-
ing the per capita tax, received by the Secretary
of the Council at the Council Headquarters office
later than forty-five (45) days prior to the biennial
Convention or later than the date specified for a
special meeting of the Council may be dealt with
at the Convention or special meeting prior to the
afternoon recess on the first day if so decreed by
a two-thirds majority vote of the delegates at that
meeting.

ARTICLE IV - COUNCIL BOOKS AND RE-

CORDS
All books, records and financial accounts of the
Council shall at all times be open to the inspection
of national officers or assigned representatives of
the AFSCME or any duly authorized representative
of any member local union of the Federation.

ARTICLE V - DELEGATES TO CONVENTIONS

Section 1. Delegates to all Conventions to which
this Council is entitled to be represented shall be
elected in accordance with the Elections Code,
Appendix D, of the International Constitution
where such is applicable.
Section 2. In the absence of a biennial Convention
or special meeting of the Council, representation
at such Conventions will be determined by the
Executive Board.
55
AFSCME Constitution APPENDIX D, Elections Code
Section 1. General provisions.
1. No funds of the Federation or of any
subordinate body shall be used to support the
candidacy of any member for any elective office
within the Federation or any subordinate body.
2. No publication sponsored by or supported
by the Federation or any subordinate body shall
endorse or support any candidate for elective
office within the Federation or any subordinate
body.
3. Any nominee or announced candidate for
elective office shall have the right once prior to
the election to have mailed, through the union
office but at private expense, campaign litera-
ture. In a local union election, such literature
may be mailed to each member in good stand-
ing. In an International Union or council election,
such literature may be mailed to each affiliated
subordinate body and/or to each member in
good standing.
4. No member whose eligibility for member-
ship is based upon employment in a position
for which another organization is the exclusive
representative with regard to wages, hours, or
other terms and conditions of employment
shall be eligible to seek or hold office at any
level of the union; provided, that any member
now serving a term of office shall not be barred
by this Section from completing the remainder
of such term of office.
Section 2. Election of subordinate body offi-
cers.
1. To be eligible for election, a nominee must
be a member in good standing of the local
union in which the nominee seeks office or
of a local affiliated with the council in which
the nominee seeks office, and must meet such
other conditions as are stipulated in the consti-
tution of the subordinate body.
2. An Election Committee shall be estab-
lished and shall have general responsibility for
the conduct of the election in accordance with 56
this Constitution and the constitution of the
subordinate body. Any challenge concerning the
eligibility of any nominee shall be referred to
the Election Committee for decision and the
decision shall be reported to the subordinate
body prior to the election. The Election Com-
mittee shall also report, as expeditiously as pos-
sible, the results of the balloting, together with
recommendations regarding any protests which
have been lodged regarding the conduct of the
election. No member of the Election Commit-
tee may be a candidate for office.
3. The terms of office for officers of subordi-
nate bodies shall be set forth in the constitution
of each subordinate body, but may not exceed
three years in the case of local union officers or
four years in the case of council officers.
4. Not less than fifteen days prior to the
holding of nominations for local union officers,
a notice of the nominations and elections shall
be mailed to each member at the member’s
last known address. Notice of nominations and
elections for council officers shall be sent to
each affiliated local not less than fifty days prior
to the election or notice may be given as re-
quired by the council’s approved constitution.
5. Nominations may be made at a regular or
special meeting by a local union member or by
a council delegate. Nominations may also be
made by a nominating committee, unless pro-
hibited by the constitution of the subordinate
body. Those nominated shall be afforded the
opportunity to decline, and the name of any
nominee who declines shall not appear on the
ballot. Write-in votes shall not be valid for any
purpose.
6. In any case where there is only one nomi-
nee for office, such nominee shall be declared
elected. In all other cases, election shall be by
secret ballot. All local union members or council
delegates shall be afforded a reasonable oppor-
tunity to vote.
7. In all cases in which election of officers
is occurring simultaneously for both at-large
and district seats, distinct ballots shall be is-
sued, separating the at-large from the district
contests. Ballots from at-large contests shall be
indistinguishable as to district or constituency,
and such ballots shall be cast in such a manner
that they cannot be identified as coming from a
particular district or constituency.
8. Local union elections may be conducted at
the same meeting as nominations or at the fol-
lowing meeting or by referendum, as provided
in the local union constitution. Council elections
shall be held in accordance with the constitu-
tion of the council.
9. Any candidate whose name is to appear
on the ballot shall have the right to have pres-
ent an official observer of the candidate’s own
choosing, who must be a member of the Fed-
eration, in all places where ballots bearing the
candidate’s name are to be cast or counted.
10. Upon completion of the voting, the ballots
shall be tabulated and the candidate for each
office receiving a majority of the votes cast for
that office shall be declared elected. Any re-
maining unfilled offices shall be filled through a
run-off election in which there shall be a ballot
bearing two names for each office to be filled,
such names being those nominees who re-
ceived the greatest number of votes in the first
balloting and the candidates receiving the high-
est number of votes shall be declared elected.
Those elected shall be installed in office imme-
diately upon the subordinate body’s acceptance
of the Election Committee’s general report on
the election, at which time the names, address-
es and terms of office of the newly elected offi-
cers shall be submitted to the International Sec-
retary- Treasurer so that credential cards may
be issued in accordance with the provisions of
Article IX, Sections 18 and 23, of this Constitu-
tion. The preelection incumbents shall remain in
office until new officers are installed.
11. Vacancies in office shall be filled in accor-
57
dance with provisions of the constitution of the
subordinate body. If no constitutional provision
exists, vacancies shall be filled by vote of the
executive board of the subordinate body.
12. All election records, including ballots, shall
be retained by the subordinate body for at least
one year after the election.
Section 3. Election of convention delegates.
1. Local unions shall elect council delegates
in the manner prescribed for the election of
local union officers, subject to the provisions of
paragraph C, below.
2. Locals and councils shall elect delegates
to conventions of the International Union in
the manner prescribed for the election of local
and council officers, subject to the provisions
of paragraph C, below, and of Article IV of this
Constitution.
3. The election by local unions of council del-
egates and of delegates to conventions of the
International Union shall not require a major-
ity of the votes cast unless such requirement is
specifically contained in the local union consti-
tution.
Section 4. Challenges and protests.
1. Any member of a local union or any coun-
cil delegate may challenge the eligibility of any
nominee by filing such challenge with the Elec-
tion Committee prior to the holding of the
election. The Election Committee shall make a
determination regarding the challenge, and shall
report its ruling to the subordinate body. The
subordinate body shall either accept or reject
the ruling of the Election Committee prior to
the election.
2. Any protest concerning the conduct of the
election may be lodged at the meeting at which
the election is conducted or by filing such pro-
test in writing with the subordinate body within
ten days following the election. All interested
parties shall be afforded an opportunity to be
heard. Such protests shall be decided by the
subordinate body not later than thirty days after
the filing of the protest.
3. If the subordinate body determines that there
were violations which may have affected the out-
come of the election, it may order such election
or any part thereof set aside, and a new election
held. Any officers who have been installed prior to
such determination shall remain in office pending
the outcome of any new election or of a future
appeal.
4. Any protestant or nominee adversely affected
by a decision on a challenge or a protest may file
a written appeal with the Judicial Panel within ten
days of the subordinate body’s decision, or, if no
decision has been rendered, within forty days after
filing the original protest with the subordinate
body. Upon receipt of such an appeal, the Chair-
person of the Judicial Panel shall designate one or
more members of the Judicial Panel to conduct
an investigation, affording all interested parties an
opportunity to be heard, and such member or
members shall issue a decision within forty days
after the filing of the protest. If the investigation
shows that there were violations which may have
affected the outcome of the election, the election
or any part thereof may be set aside and a new
election held. In such circumstances, the new elec-
tion may be conducted under the supervision of a
representative designated by the Panel member or
members who conducted the investigation.
5. Decisions made by a Panel member or mem-
bers may be appealed to the full Judicial Panel by
filing written notice of such appeal within ten days
after the decision is issued. Should a decision not
be issued within the time limit set forth above, an
appeal to the full Judicial Panel may be filed within
ten days after the expiration of such time limit. The
Judicial Panel shall hear and decide such appeal at
its next meeting. The Judicial Panel shall provide an
opportunity for all interested parties to be heard,
and shall consider all other information obtained
in the investigation conducted by a member or
members of the Judicial Panel.
6. Decisions of the Judicial Panel under this sec-
tion may be appealed to the International Con-
58
vention. Notice of such appeal shall be filed in
writing with the International Secretary-Treasurer
within thirty days after the decision of the Judicial
Panel. Pending the decision of the Convention, the
decision of the Judicial Panel will be in effect.
7. No subordinate body funds shall be used to
institute legal action outside the union to challenge
election rulings.
8. Challenges and protests regarding the election
of council delegates shall be handled in the man-
ner prescribed for challenges and protests regard-
ing the election of officers of subordinate bodies.
Section 5. Challenges and protests regarding
election of delegates to International Union
Conventions.
1. A challenge or protest regarding the election
of delegates to a convention of the International
Union must be filed with and decided by a sub-
ordinate body by or on the date of the meeting
at which the report of the Elections Committee
is voted on. A written appeal from the decision
of the subordinate body may be filed with the
Judicial Panel not later than the fifth day following
the subordinate body’s action on the challenge or
protest; provided that the Judicial Panel shall not
have jurisdiction to hear appeals filed within twen-
ty (20) days of the opening day of the Convention.
The Chairperson of the Judicial Panel shall desig-
nate one or more members of the Judicial Panel
to conduct an investigation and decide the appeal
in the manner provided in Section 4(D) as expe-
ditiously as possible. An appeal from the decision
may be made in the manner provided in Section
4(E).
2. If the right of a delegate from any subordinate
body to be seated at the Convention is challenged,
the Credentials Committee shall review the re-
port and decisions, if any, of any prior appeals
before making a decision concerning the validity of
the delegate’s credential.
Section 6. The provisions of this Elections Code
shall conform with applicable law.
Facility Floorplan

CONVENTION
CASCADE ROOMS
HALL
Grand Ballroom
Registration
PEOPLE

EVERGREEN ROOMS

NORTHWEST
EXHIBIT
BALLROOMS
HALL

59