Suppose you are the HR manager of a small city. You have heard that the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers is likely to start an organizing drive among city employees. Find as much information about this union as you can. What are their current interests? What kinds of issues do you think they are likely to raise in an organizing campaign?

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers (AFSCMW) will likely oppose any attempts to cut the budget of a state or local government in a manner that negatively affects public employees. These measures would likely include hiring freezes, raise freezes, or asking employees to make a greater financial contribution to their healthcare. This could make it extremely difficult to balance state budgets. Its website states that it is a myth that municipal pensions are poorly managed, that the pensions lack oversight and quality standards, and deny that a shift to a defined contribution plan in which workers personally invest in their pensions will improve the financial solvency of states and other government entities. The relative intransigence...

It also hopes that current levels of benefits will be maintained, cushioned by greater government aid. However, given the current federal budget-cutting and the change of regime in the U.S. House of Representatives, this is unlikely. Thus, membership in the AFSCMW could result in a likely negotiating stalemate, in terms of creating a leaner city budget. Furthermore, it could also antagonize workers and encourage them to take an adversarial stance against management. The AFSCMW stresses the need for its membership to mobilize and protect their current pension plans.
References

AFL-CIO. (2011). Official Website. Retrieved February 19, 2011 at http://aflcio.org/index.cfm

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers (AFSCMW) (2011). Official

Website. Retrieved February 19, 2011 at http://www.afscme.org/issues/75.cfm