The Way It All Works

The Local President of an AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) union plays a central leadership role in representing and organizing members. Here’s a breakdown of their key responsibilities:

• Preside over meetings of the local union and executive board.

• Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees (except nomination and election committees).

• Appoint standing and special committees, with executive board approval.

• Report regularly to members on the union’s progress and their own official actions.

• Co-sign checks drawn against union funds.

• Ensure financial accountability in collaboration with the secretary-treasurer.

• Automatic delegate to the AFSCME International Convention.

• Represent the local in dealings with employers, councils, and the broader labor movement

• Promote union solidarity and member involvement.

• Support organizing efforts and steward development.

The Vice President of an AFSCME Local Union plays a crucial role in supporting leadership, ensuring continuity, and advancing the union’s mission. Here’s a detailed look at their typical responsibilities:

• Assist the President in all duties and act as a trusted advisor.
• Preside over meetings in the President’s absence.
• Assume presidential duties if the President is unable to serve.
• Serve as an automatic delegate to the AFSCME International Convention if the President cannot attend.

• Co-sign checks drawn against union funds, ensuring financial accountability.
• Act as an at-large steward for contractual matters, representing members across departments.
• Take meeting minutes if the Secretary is absent.

• Lead or coordinate stewards, especially in larger locals.
• Facilitate steward elections and training, ensuring compliance with union constitutions.
• Support organizing efforts, events, and member outreach.

Some locals may also assign the Vice President specific portfolios—like grievance coordination, legislative advocacy, or event planning—depending on their structure and needs.

The Executive Board of an AFSCME Local Union serves as the governing body between general membership meetings, playing a pivotal role in decision-making and organizational oversight. Here's a breakdown of their typical responsibilities:

• Act as the local’s governing body when membership meetings are not in session.

• Make policy decisions and determine how to accomplish the union’s goals, unless otherwise directed by the membership.

• Approve expenditures, committee appointments, and other administrative actions.

• Attend and participate in executive board meetings, typically called by the President or a majority of board members.

• Review reports from officers, stewards, and committees.

• Prepare recommendations for the general membership to vote on.

• Report back to members on decisions and actions taken.

• Ensure transparency in financial and operational matters.

• Support union campaigns, organizing drives, and grievance handling.

The Executive Board usually includes:

• President
• Vice Presidents
• Secretary and/or Recording Secretary
• Treasurer
• Chief Steward(s)
• Trustees
• Members-at-Large (in some locals)

Each local may tailor its board structure and duties based on its constitution and bylaws.

The Trustees of an AFSCME Local Union are the guardians of financial integrity. Their primary role is to ensure that union funds are handled responsibly and transparently. Here's a detailed breakdown of their core duties:

• Conduct audits of the local’s financial records—at least annually, or more often if required by the local constitution.

• Verify that all income and expenditures are properly documented and authorized.

• Ensure compliance with the AFSCME Financial Standards Code, which outlines best practices for financial management.

• Prepare a written audit report summarizing findings and recommendations.

• Present the report to both the Executive Board and the general membership.

• Attach the report to the meeting minutes, making it a permanent part of the union’s records.

• Ensure that required reports—like the Local Union Annual Financial Report and Surety Bond Report—are filed with the International Union.

• Review CPA reports (if an external audit is conducted), including:
  
  • Engagement Letter
  • SAS 115 Letter (internal control issues)
  • Management Letter (operational recommendations)

• Use sampling techniques when reviewing large volumes of transactions.

• Recommend corrective actions if discrepancies are found.

• Encourage professional audits for locals with complex finances or high transaction volume.

Trustees are elected specifically for this role and must remain impartial, diligent, and thorough.