Local unions hold drive-thru elections during pandemic
AFSCME Local 2763 members vote on contract ratification in “social distancing fashion,” via a makeshift drive-thru.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to rethink how we live, work, shop, and interact with one another, as well as how we conduct union business.
In May, AFSCME Local 2763 (City of Reading) ratified their contract while maintaining social distancing with drive-thru voting.
“In this world of COVID, labor must move forward,” AFSCME District Council 88 Director Tom Tosti said.
“This is a first for us, and it went well for the members.”
AFSCME Local 2456 Executive Board member Tiana Smith (left), Local 2456 President Cliff Ackman (middle), and Local 2456 Executive Board member Lillie McMullen (right) check members in for their drive-thru election.
Last month, AFSCME Local 2456 (State Professional – District 8) members pulled together to conduct a drive-thru local union officer election.
Recording Secretary Susan Bosco made signs directing members where to go, President Cliff Ackman checked members in and gave them ballots, Local Steward and Elections Chair Michele Brookins collected ballots, Trustee Danielle Gibson distributed box meals, and Executive Board members Tiana Smith and Lillie McMullen assisted.
AFSCME Local 2456 Trustee Danielle Gibson (left) and Local 2456 Steward Michele Brookins (right) collect ballots for their drive-thru election.
“It went very well! I was excited,” Michele said.
“Tell all the locals: do a drive-thru election!”
Thanks to their ingenuity, Local 2763 members ratified a contract, and Local 2456 members elected new officers, who will be sworn in via Zoom.
