2003...LAY OFFS, NO RAISES, PEIA INCREASES...WHO CAN AFFORD A UNION?

As we continue to face the pressures of a tight state budget in West Virginia, threats of privatization in Highways and Worker's Comp and a new state government 'reorganization plan' that has many state workers worried about lay offs and forced transfers, it is easy to understand the desire to tighten your belt.

As state employees and municipal workers face such uncertainty, it is important that each of you realize the importance of your union membership.

Now more than ever,
AFSCME lobbyists are being asked to watch and oppose negative legislation while advocating for bills to improve our working lives. Page 3 of this newsletter has a partial list.

If you think any other

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
BY RONNIE 'BEAR' NAPIER, COUNCIL 77 PRESIDENT

For 20 years, AFSCME has been representing WV State employees (and 40+ years for municipal). We try to be an effective voice for all public employees on the issues that affect us. 2003 will be a critical year for all of us and we need your ideas, thoughts

and help to accomplish all we can.
    Attend your Local Union meetings, contact legislators and rally with us on February 17 at the Capitol.
    Together, we can make a difference. In fact, it is up to