About District Council 36
AFSCME The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees represents some 1.3 million members and is the second largest Union in the United States. It is the largest public employee Union in the country but more than 10% of its members work for private non-profit agencies and organizations.
AFSCME has three basic levels in its structure: The International Union, The District Council and the Local Union.
The Council is the membership service level of the organization and is made up of local unions within a geographical area. Council 36 is comprised of 42 Locals from Southern California counties representing close to 20,000 members. Locals represent bargaining units ranging in size from Los Angeles City Clerical Employees' (Local 3090) - 4957 to Community Redevelopment Agency (Local 2204), - 13 and everything in between.
Council Services provided to locals include professional representation and clerical staff. A professional representative is assigned to work with one or more locals providing assistance with negotiations, grievances, filing unfair labor practice charges, appeals, arbitrations, publications, internal and external organizing, training of leaders and stewards, political action, research and more. Education, research, legislative and political action assistance is also available from the national and California AFSCME through the Council. Clerical support is also provided at the Council 36 offices in the form of equipment, mailings, and financial services which may include assuming responsibility for monthly per capita and payroll processing.
Legal services routinely provided by the Council include a legal retainer to a labor law firm that provides advice and guidance for professional staff.
Local Obligations and Rights All locals, of course, are obligated to act in accord with the International and Council constitutions. The current per capita dues for Council 36 is $ 16.90 per month for full time and a reduced rate for employees working part time. According to the International constitution, per caps are adjusted annually to reflect the average percentage increase in pay of AFSCME members. This annual adjustment is intended to keep up with the cost of living and results in a very modest increase in per caps to the International and Council.
Local Obligations and Rights continued. . .
Locals retain full autonomy over spending, any assets they may have accumulated, and the Local portion of membership dues. All internal decisions, initiatives and elections, etc. are governed solely by the Local's constitution or by-laws.
Council 36 Governance The Executive Board is the governing body of the Council when the biennial Convention is not in session. Delegates at each Convention elect the eight member Board comprised of President, five Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer. Locals are entitled to delegates based on their membership numbers.
The Executive Board meets on a monthly basis. All local union presidents are notified of each meeting and are welcome to attend.
The Executive Director is hired by, and serves at the pleasure of the Executive Board.