What is the delegate system?
The AFSCME Constitution outlines the delegate system in Article IV.
Article IV, Section 6 lays out the formula used in determining the number of delegates will represent each local:
Section 6. Locals shall be entitled to delegates on the basis of membership as follows: 100 or fewer, one delegate; more than 100 but not exceeding 200, two delegates; more than 200 but not exceeding 300, three delegates; more than 300 but not exceeding 400, four delegates; more than 400, one additional delegate for each 1,000 additional members or fraction thereof.
This section amplifies the voice of smaller locals — literally amplifies it by giving smaller locals a larger number of delegates compared to their membership. Very large locals, like CSEA Local 1000 in New York and Local 3930 in California, may be entitled to a couple hundred delegates under this formula. One of the largest locals outside of New York and California is Local 443 in Washington state. That’s the local of the creator of this website. With approximately 7,500 members, Local 443 is entitled to 11 delegates at the AFSCME International Convention. However, three locals with just 300 members each — that’s a total of 900 members — would have 12 delegates, giving the delegation of less than 1,000 members a larger presence on the convention floor than a local with more than 7,000 members.
Article IV, Section 7 lays out that even though smaller locals will have a larger presence on the convention floor, the votes assigned to the delegates of each local will be equal to the membership:
Section 7. Regardless of the number of delegates, locals shall be entitled to vote on the basis of one vote for each member or fraction thereof. 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 coming before the convention. The number of votes shall be divided equally among the delegates, with any remaining votes to be cast by the Chairperson of the delegation, as designated by the local. No fractional votes shall be permitted.
This is quite literally one member, one vote, but the delegate system transfers members’ votes to the delegates who those very same members elected to represent them at the convention.
Article IV, Section 8 grants all chartered councils one delegate and one vote at the convention. It also lays out for retiree chapters a similar formula to what Section 6 provides for locals.
How would 1M1V change this system?
- Rather than have delegates cast votes based on the number of members each delegate represents, the 1M1V amendments would transfer those votes to each member.
- The 1M1V amendments seek to deprive retiree chapters of their votes during elections for the President and Secretary-Treasurer of AFSCME International.
Practically speaking, most members simply don’t vote in union elections. If adopted, the 1M1V amendments would silence the voices of most rank-and-file members who routinely do not vote in union elections.
The current delegate system ensures that all members are able to be represented at the convention. Locals and affiliates who are unable to attend in person can grant other delegates the right to proxy vote on their behalf. This process means that a far greater number of AFSCME members are represented through the delegate process. Members are able to elect delegates that will represent their interests at the convention. The structure preserves the voices of all members and is designed to amplify the interests of smaller locals who would be drowned out by the voices of larger affiliates.