ASEA Members:
2019 was a big year! I want to thank you for unity under pressure and for your continued and dedicated service to our state. This last year held some major hurdles to the services you provide and outright threats to our organization as a whole. We stuck together despite serious obstacles. In fact, you continued to go above and beyond by volunteering in numerous charitable events throughout the state that strengthen and enrich our communities. Your service to the public never stops and we will never stop advocating for you to receive the respect and dignity you deserve for being the fabric of our state.
A silver lining to challenges is that they push us to evolve. The challenges ASEA faced this year have made our union a better organization. In particular, ASEA recognized the need for better communication and expanded service to its membership. Some of these improvements include:
- A strategic planning effort that was organized, conducted and summarized for the State Executive Board with concrete recommendations for our union’s future.
- Streamlined member communication with a weekly digest that captures events and news from union chapters and committees around the state.
- Approval by the State Executive Board for a new staff Communications Director position, since filled with an exceptional candidate.
- Developing member-only benefits, like the Affordable Dental Care, to provide union members and their families with significant cost savings.
- Expanded AFSCME programs, like the Free College Benefit which provides an extraordinary value to members and their extended family for post-secondary education--including a free AA degree and now a low-cost four-year degree through Central State University.
In addition to improving services, the ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 State Executive Board made it a priority to reduce organizational costs. This year ASEA reduced costs by relocating the Juneau office to a new location and decreased additional operating costs by switching vendors for less expensive and better communication services. Notably, ASEA offices continue to meet the emerging needs of the membership with fewer staff than in 2018.
ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 works hard to educate state, borough and municipal employees about the benefits of ASEA membership. Every day, ASEA reaches out to new employees and non-members about the advantages and benefits of being an ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 member.
Becoming a member is easy—it’s as simple as filling out the membership form here afscmelocal52.org/member. If you or anyone else has questions about membership or the form, please contact ASEA Headquarters at
Finally, union membership is more meaningful when you are involved. Please attend your chapter and worksite meetings, and do contact us when you have a question or an opinion. Also, I ask that you read the ASEA Weekly Digest for important and timely information. You can sign up by visiting our website or by clicking on this link.
ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 is stronger than ever because your contribution to Alaska is extraordinary and, together, we are reinventing the largest public employee union in Alaska. ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 is committed to protecting your interests at work and delivering benefits that make you proud to be a member. Honestly, I can’t articulate how grateful and proud I am to be affiliated with all of you. I believe 2020 will be an exciting year and I am eager to begin it with you.
From everyone at ASEA, Happy New Year!
In Solidarity,
Jake Metcalfe
Executive Director
ASEA/AFSCME Local 52