Dear AFSCME District Council 57 Family:

Today, AFSCME President Lee Saunders placed AFSCME District Council 57 (Council 57) under an emergency administratorship, effective immediately. This means that the national union has assumed responsibility for the day-to-day affairs of the council. President Saunders has appointed me to serve as the Administrator of Council 57, and AFSCME Executive Assistant to the President Nicole Pollard and AFSCME Field Coordinator Joseph Clark Jr. to serve as the Deputy Administrators, to carry out these responsibilities.

The decision to place an AFSCME affiliate under an administratorship is never made lightly. In this case, a recent audit conducted by the International Union found serious deficiencies in the management and accounting of union funds and other violations of AFSCME’s Financial Standards Code. Council 57 was notified of these deficiencies and given an opportunity to take corrective action. However, its inability to do so has posed a threat to the fiscal stability of the council. And consequently, its ability to serve the best interests of the membership.

In his letter sent today to the officers of Council 57, President Saunders stated:

“In my opinion, an emergency situation exists in California District Council 57, AFSCME, AFL-CIO (“AFSCME District Council 57”) in that dissipation or loss of the funds or assets of the council is threatened and the council is acting in violation of the International Constitution. Therefore, in accordance with Article IX, Section 37 of the International Constitution, I am placing AFSCME District Council 57 under administratorship, pending notice and hearing, effective immediately.”

Meeting the needs of all Council 57 members is the administratorship team's top priority. As part of that, our work will focus on strengthening all aspects of the Council's operations and services in addition to building financial stability.

The Council 57 administratorship will have no impact on your local union or its elected leaders.Council 57 business representatives will continue to work with your locals to provide representational services. We will remain connected with your local’s leadership to address any other matters of concern. Together we will continue to grow our union, build power, and protect public services.

As many of you know, moving through Congress right now is a draconian budget proposal that would gut essential programs and services like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid — all to pad the bank accounts of billionaires. AFSCME GO, or Get Organized, is our campaign to fight back against anti-worker billionaires, protect vital public services, and stand up for the work of Council 57 and AFSCME members across the country. You will hear more from us about AFSCME’s national campaign soon. In the meantime, you can learn more and join AFSCME members across the country in the fight at AFSCMEGO.org.

Sisters and brothers, YOU are AFSCME District Council 57. The work you do empowers and provides security to the people and communities you serve. Together I know we can do the same for our union. We look forward to working with and serving you during this administratorship.

In Solidarity,

Walter Blair
Administrator

Deputy Administrators:
Joseph Clark Jr.
Nicole Pollard