AFSCME Local 1598 Newsletter

Greetings brothers and sisters!

What an exciting year! We celebrated our 50 year anniversary and got new president elected!

Thanks to all of you who knocked on doors and worked the phone banks to make it happen! The 50th anniversary picnic was very nice. We had a relaxing day at Adventureland Park. The executive board is discussing whether or not we want to plan an annual picnic for AFSCME Local 1598 families. More info. to follow...

One of the things I love about this union is that there's always something being offered to the members. This March we will be sending 16 members to the Women's Conference March 13-15. Remember, it's not just for women! Denise Luna, Chief Steward for the 05 unit is on the Council 13 Women's Advisory Board in Harrisburg and can provide more information. Anyone who is interested can contact Ella Hamell at the Bristol office at 215-788-8155 and she can direct you to Denise if you have questions about what takes place at this conference.

In spite of the economy, some of the units in this local got some very note-worthy contracts. Thanks to AFSCME Business Agent, Tom Tosti, the 03/05 units got a 4 year contract and health insurance co-pays that won't increase for the life of the contract. This past July, 3 members of the executive board plus myself went to the International Convention in San Francisco, California. Since AFSCME was gearing up for their campaign for Obama, we got to hear him speak via satellite. I also got to serve on the Elections Committee. It was such an interesting experience that I hope I get to serve again in the future.

At one of our board meetings, prior to the holidays, a motion was made to make food baskets and distribute them to families in need. This past Thanksgiving and Christmas Denise Luna, and Lynn Hanes, both Chief Stewards and executive board members, shopped for and distributed 12 food baskets to Head Start, a Woman's place and union families in need. Many thanks to them for their generous donation of time and effort! A lot of families had a nicer holiday because of their efforts.

Please take note of the new calendar of events. We have, for the first time, planned out the general membership meetings for the year. Please make sure to check the website prior to the event to note any changes.

Yours in Solidarity,

Linda B. Vuono
President of Local 1598