FAQ

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
AFSCME COLORADO ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Why are AFSCME Colorado Locals affiliated with an “Organizing Committee”?
We have made important political, legislative, and organizing gains for Colorado public service workers in the past few years. As a result, our union in Colorado is growing. Because of new and potential growth opportunities, AFSCME national President Lee Saunders determined that Colorado AFSCME members will be best served by a dedicated Colorado AFSCME union. He has therefore established the AFSCME Colorado Organizing Committee. The jurisdiction of Colorado local unions will be assigned to the Organizing Committee, effective November 1, 2024.

Are AFSCME Colorado locals still part of Council 18?
All AFSCME Colorado locals are now affiliated with the AFSCME Colorado organizing committee and are no longer part of Council 18. Council 18 returns to its original jurisdiction as an affiliate of New Mexico AFSCME locals.We joined up with AFSCME Council 18 a few years ago to spearhead growth in Colorado and create more power for our members on the job and at the bargaining table. During that time, we organized Adams County social services and expanded collective bargaining rights for tens of thousands of county workers. Council 18’s support during that time has put Colorado locals in the position to move forward on our own as AFSCME Colorado. 

What is an Organizing Committee and how is it different from a Council?
An Organizing Committee (OC) is similar to a Council within AFSCME structure. Under Article IX, Section 27 of the AFSCME International Constitution an Organizing Committee may be formed in areas where there is no existing intermediate body for the specific purpose to organize, grow power and improve the lives of AFSCME members in areas where opportunities exist. Like a Council, local unions are affiliated with the Organizing Committee and will receive the same support they receive from a Council. 

AFSCME has formed Organizing Committees in several other states that have expanded organizing efforts and successfully grown our union’s membership, including Michigan, New Jersey, and Texas.

How will affiliation with the Organizing Committee affect my AFSCME local union and my membership?
There will be no interruption of membership services during this transition from Council 18 to AFSCME Colorado. All officers of Colorado local unions remain in office and continue to perform their day-to-day responsibilities. Organizing Committee staff will service the membership and support the critical work AFSCME members do. We will continue to work together to grow and build worker power.

Who is in charge of AFSCME Colorado?
President Saunders has appointed Megan Eierman, AFSCME Assistant Western Region Director and director of the Colorado county organizing campaign, to serve as the Committee’s Director and AFSCME Political Representative Sean Hinga to serve as Deputy Director. Together they will oversee the day-to-day business, representational and organizing operations of AFSCME Colorado.  With assistance and resources from the national union they are prepared to negotiate first contracts, build an enhanced political and legislative program and serve existing and new local unions. 

What is the plan to continue to grow and build power for Colorado public service workers?  
In just over a year since we helped pass a law giving county employees collective bargaining rights, workers with the Jefferson County library system have won their union and are now negotiating their first contract. Hundreds of workers in Arapahoe County Human Services and Fleet and Facilities units won their elections to join with AFSCME. And a unit in Larimer County has filed an election petition. Also, on the same day Jefferson County library workers won their historic union election, workers at the Denver Art Museum voted to join AFSCME. In addition, we have a referendum on the Denver city ballot for city employee collective bargaining, creating another significant opportunity for growth.

Who do I contact if I have questions? 
For workplace issues, please continue to contact your steward or local officers. For other questions, feel free to contact Director Megan Eierman at meierman@afscemecolorado.org or Deputy Director Sean Hinga at shinga@afscmecolorado.org

How do I get union news and updates and get more involved?
Be sure to sign up for AFSCME Colorado email or texts alerts by going to www.afscmecolorado.org and clicking the sign up link. We’ll send important union news and updates and let you know about opportunities to get involved so we can improve our jobs, win strong contracts, ensure quality public services for our communities.