WHEREAS:

AFSCME conventions have characteristically been scheduled during summer months so that AFSCME delegates can combine the convention with vacation time with their families; and

WHEREAS:

Many AFSCME contracts expire during the June-July period, so that from time to time AFSCME negotiators either have to delay negotiations at critical moments in order to attend the convention, or in some cases miss the convention; and

WHEREAS:

The International Union has to the extent possible sought to avoid scheduling conventions during periods that would conflict with major contract openings or negotiations; and

WHEREAS:

School employees in some jurisdictions are still working in June; and

WHEREAS:

As AFSCME conventions have grown in size it has become necessary to schedule conventions farther and farther in advance in order to get adequate facilities in the few cities that can provide AFSCME sufficient union hotel rooms and good convention facilities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That taking into account the impossibility of predicting four or more ears in advance how contract negotiations will develop, AFSCME will nevertheless seek to schedule conventions outside the heaviest contract negotiating periods.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board