MAPE held its 42nd Annual Delegate Assembly; third held virtually

Another successful Delegate Assembly is in the books. Nearly 120 delegates participated in the 42nd annual conference on Oct. 8. This was the third year in a row that DA was held virtually.     

Delegate Assembly (DA) is MAPE’s highest governing body. It has the authority to establish MAPE policies, approve budgets, levy dues, amend governing documents and adopt procedures for statewide, regional and local officer elections. In between business, delegates also hear updates from the chairs of the Political and Organizing councils, the Political Action Committee and from MAPE President and Co-Interim Executive Directors. These updates are all compiled in the State of the Union Report (pdf version or word version). A full recording of DA is available on YouTube. 

Budget 

One of the first votes was on MAPE’s 2023 budget, and delegates voted to approve it. Prior to DA, three budget forums were held in August and September which gave delegates the opportunity to ask Treasurer Chet Jorgenson questions about the proposed budget. Jorgenson reported that our union is in a stable financial position four years after the U.S. Supreme Court stopped the collection of fair share dues in the Janus v. AFSCME decision. The FY2023 budget recommendations included investment in engaged and informed locals, staff and central operation and the Crisis Investment Fund.   

Resolutions 

Six resolutions were forwarded to the Constitution and Rules Committee and five were ruled as ready for debate and consideration.   The resolutions and results are as follows:  

1. Negotiations Team Eligibility: Resolution to establish requirements for regional negotiator position/Failed. 

2. Meal Reimbursement: Reimbursement Limits for Individual Meal Purchases/Passed as amended to coincide with the Federal Meal Reimbursement rates that are set by the U.S. General Services Administration.  

3. Local Election Committees: Remove Local Nominations and Local Elections Committee from Election Rules/Passed. 

4. Accessibility: All MAPE documents are accessible passed as amended with the amendment referring the matter to be addressed by the Board of Directors and expecting a plan by March 31, 2023. 

5. Meet and Confer Chairs: Reinstate the Meet and Confer Chairs Committee Speaker Position to the Executive Committee/Referred to the Board of Directors.  

Organizing 

MAPE’s  income is derived almost entirely from dues. An overarching theme of this year’s DA was the need to increase membership, especially among newer state employees. One of MAPE’s strengths is one-on-one organizing. But the pandemic has created challenges to meet with new employees and bring them into our union since so many MAPE members are telecommuting.  

MAPE has been working on developing organizing events that engage larger groups of members. This month we have launched an exciting one for the health and future of our union: MAPE-tober. We have been reinforcing member engagement through membership recruitment, supporting contract action teams to fight for a fair contract and talking with voters about candidates who support MAPE priorities. There is still time to sign up to join this effort! 

Election Work 

There is an incredible amount on the line this election year. The newly elected legislature will decide how to spend the State’s huge $12 billion surplus and pass – or block – legislation on issues that will directly affect the lives of workers and their families. Help us get people elected who support our work by door knocking or phone banking!  

Awards 

Several awards were presented to members and locals – look for next week’s newsletter for a full run-down.    

As we look toward 2023, we will see if we can safely return to an in-person DA. In the meantime, we hope to see you on the campaign trail, participating in membership recruitment events and getting involved in your local Contract Action Team.