AMEA and ASEA: We Are Stronger Together!

Vote YES to Join Forces for Strong Contracts and Professional Representation

Dear AMEA members,
 
Together with assistance from Alaska State Employees Association (ASEA/AFSCME Local 52), we bargained and ratified a fair contract that will mean more money in our pockets, better benefits for our families and improved public services for our community. Now, we can unify with our union siblings to protect these gains and become even stronger. We can vote YES to join forces with union members across Alaska!
 
Our AMEA union—with over 400 dedicated public service workers who make Anchorage happen—is currently an independent local within the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). As your elected leaders, we believe now is the right time to increase our strength and unify with ASEA/AFSCME Local 52.
 
This is what will happen when we vote YES to unify with ASEA:

• We will have a dedicated staff representative from ASEA who will support us to improve contract enforcement, member representation, and negotiations with management. We will have full access to ASEA’s union trainings, organizing, communications and legislative programs right here in Alaska. All of this will mean more membership engagement and more power for our union.
• AMEA members will continue to decide our own future. As a chapter of ASEA, members of AMEA will keep our power to elect union officers, manage our funds, set our priorities, and have the final say on any agreements with management.
   
  The people of Anchorage rely on us to provide essential services that keep this city running, and we’re proud of the work we do for our neighbors. As part of a statewide union with more than 8,000 members, AMEA will have more power to represent, mobilize and bargain. This is a unique opportunity that will mean more engagement and support for union members right here in Anchorage.
   
  You and your fellow members will have the final say on this proposal to unify with ASEA during a full membership vote. We look forward to meeting with you and your coworkers at job sites around Anchorage to hear your thoughts about how we can continue to empower our local unions. In the meantime, we invite you to share your questions and concerns with us.
   
  Thank you for your dedication to building a stronger union.
   
  In Solidarity,
   
  AMEA President