The NAPE/AFSCME Board of Directors held its regular quarterly meeting in Lincoln on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The Board heard reports from its standing committees and conducted a lengthy business agenda. Below is a summary of the meeting.
Committee Reports
The BOD heard reports from its regular standing committees. The Membership Committee reported that our membership is at a 25 year high and continues to grow. Growth following contract ratification set a record for new members in one month, with 174 new members joining NAPE/AFSCME in January 2023 alone. The Membership Rights Committee reported that our union represented members in 117 grievances in 2022, with a success rate of over 80% in cases that have been fully litigated. The Government Affairs Committee reported on pending legislation that could affect our members. The GAC report can be viewed here. The Elections Committee reported on the final ratification results, sharing that voter turnout was higher than 2021 with around 40% voter turnout. The committee also shared the election schedule for 2023 Board of Directors elections. Ballots are due on March 31, and the schedule for runoff elections if necessary was shared.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
The BOD discussed upcoming training opportunities for members. This spring, NAPE/AFSCME will offer at least eight initial steward training classes, a Volunteer Member Organizer training, and a steward seminar for current steward to brush up on their skills. Current steward will also have to be recertified this summer in order to continue to serve as a steward once new contracts take effect on July 1, 2023.
Fiscal Year 2022 Audit
The BOD heard a report from our independent auditors (DeBoer & Associates, Omaha) regarding our Fiscal Year 2022 Audit. The auditors reported that our financial statements accurately depict our financial position. In other words, the audit was clean. NAPE/AFSCME had a balanced budget and a surplus for the fourth consecutive fiscal year, and our financial position continues to be stable.
Staff Negotiations
The NAPE/AFSCME Staff Union (NASU) collective bargaining agreement expires in June, and the Board discussed negotiations in Executive Session. BOD members Jay Jensen (NDOT, Omaha), Daniel Buchanan (Corrections, Lincoln) and Elbert Traylor (Environment & Energy, Lincoln) will serve as the NAPE/AFSCME bargaining team.
Budget & Financial
The BOD amended the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to account for actual expenses, predicted expenses, and membership growth. The BOD expects to have a surplus for the fifth consecutive fiscal year. It also decided to move contingency funds into a certificate of deposit to maximize interest income. The BOD also took a preliminary review of the draft Fiscal Year 2024 budget and offered suggestions and recommendations. The FY24 budget will be approved by the BOD at its spring meeting in June.
Delegate Assembly Committees
The BOD established committees to prepare for the 2023 Delegate Assembly to be held in Lincoln August 25-27, 2023. Committees include the Bylaws, Resolutions, Recognition, Elections, Legislative Platform, and Strategic Plan. Members interested in serving on committees may contact us to indicate their interest.
Legal Report
The BOD heard a report regarding pending litigation, including a prohibited labor practice case regarding the Richardson County Roads Department pending before the CIR, as well as three grievance cases that were appealed to the District Court of Lancaster County after the Nebraska State Personnel Board overturned the recommendation of a Hearing Officer to rule in favor of NAPE/AFSCME members.