Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) And Definitions

FAQ

What does AFSCME stand for?

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. 

What does it mean to be a member of AFSCME Local 517?

AFSCME Local 517 represents all exempt and non-exempt employees of Washington County who: 

1. work fourteen (14) or more hours per week (or thirty-five percent of the normal work week in the employee’s bargaining unit), AND
2. are employed more than sixty-seven (67) working days in any calendar year. 

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF:
- Employees who, “but for the FLSA salary basis test” qualify as exempt employees
- Essential employees
- Non-clerical employees in the Public Works department
- Confidential
- Supervisory employees.

So every contract that we negotiate with Washington County represents all of the employees who belong to the group described above. However, only dues-paying union members have full rights to participate in union decisions.

Who runs AFSCME? 
We do. AFSCME is run by its members. Every member has a vote in the election of local union officers and board members. We negotiate our contracts, which must be approved by members. Each local union has its own constitution and governing documents. Members decide on policies, activities and dues. And as AFSCME members, we are protected by our Members’ Bill of Rights. 

What is the AFL-CIO? 
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is the voluntary federation of 56 national and international labor unions, representing more than 11.5 million working women and men of every race and ethnicity and from every walk of life. The mission of the AFL-CIO is to improve the lives of working families, to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our nation. 

What is the difference between AFSCME and the AFL-CIO? 

AFSCME is a member of the federation and is the largest union affiliated with the AFL-CIO.

How much are dues?

Dues are updated yearly. For 2025, FT members pay $30.86 per pay period. Part-Time employees pay less based on Full Time Equivalence (FTE). 

So... where is all the money going?

Full expense reports are provided at each General Membership Meeting and a copy of our member-approved budget can requested by emailing afscme517secretary@gmail.com.

What do I do if I have a problem at work?

Call or email your Union Steward: AFSCME Local 517 Stewards | Local 517 Washington County, or email the secretary and they will point you in the right direction depending on the issue: afscme517secretary@gmail.com.

I missed a meeting or can't go to the meetings, how can I stay up to date?

We are currently working out additional modes of communication for AFSCME Local 517. Right now, here is what we suggest: 

  1. Keep an eye out for emails from your secretary for info on contracts, voting, events, and other updates
  2. Join the Facebook Group
  3. Regularly check the website for updates
  4. If you would like to read the minutes for a particular meeting, email afscme517secretary@gmail.com.
  5. Ask an executive board member and we will be happy to fill you in with recent happenings.

Definitions of Common Jargon & Acronyms

E-Board = Executive Board

LMC = Labor Management Committee

a committee of ASCME Local 517 where labor relations outside of contract-specific issues are discussed regularly alongside Human Resources team members.

ILMC = Insurance Labor Management Committee

a committee of ASCME Local 517 where insurance issues are discussed regularly alongside Human Resources team members.

Grievance = 

A union grievance is a formal complaint raised by a union or its members against an employer regarding a perceived violation of the terms of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), workplace rules, or labor laws. Grievances can involve a range of issues, such as unfair treatment, violations of workers' rights, wage disputes, unsafe working conditions, or discriminatory practices. The grievance process is a key mechanism for resolving labor disputes and ensuring that the rights of unionized employees are upheld. The grievance is typically addressed through negotiations or arbitration between the union and the employer.

Arbitration = 

During the arbitration, the employer and the union will each present their case and argue their position. The two parties may use witnesses and exhibits to support their case, but the strict rules of evidence used by judges generally do not apply. The arbitrator holds a hearing and decides issues an award.

Field Representative = 

A union field representative is an employee of the union who is responsible for advocating for union members, organizing efforts, and negotiating contracts to improve working conditions and benefits.

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We will be periodically adding to this page as time goes on. If you have a question that can't be answered by our website, fill out our contact form or email us at afscme517secretary@gmail.com!