Dear ASEA member,
Fall has arrived, and with it comes a season of transition and plenty of activity across ASEA.
As many of you know, Heidi Drygas stepped down as Executive Director on September 18 to begin her new role leading the Alaska AFL-CIO (see Heidi’s farewell message on our YouTube Channel by visiting https://youtu.be/Zt0L3KqY_1Q?si=Va1GesfSYbAX9frv). I want to thank Heidi for her years in leadership and service to ASEA and wish her well in her new position.
As the ASEA Executive Board moves through its interview and hiring process for our next Executive Director, I have been selected to serve as Interim Executive Director.
Many of you already know me through my years working with our members, chapters, stewards and staff across the state. I have been with ASEA for more than two decades and previously served as Interim Executive Director during our last leadership transition.
Throughout this transition, our work continues. ASEA day-to-day operations, contract administration, member representation, organizing, advocacy, worksite visits, steward training, and support for our members and chapters will continue without interruption.
You will continue to see me and our staff at worksites, chapter meetings, training and events across the state. If ASEA hasn’t visited your worksite in recent months, we would be happy to work with you to schedule a visit. Contact us at ASEAHQ@ASEA52.org.
What’s Ahead
Some things on the horizon (not including Chapter events):
- Wed, Sep. 23 - Basic Steward Training – If you are a new steward who has yet received training please contact ASEAHQ@asea52.org right away for information
- Mon, Oct 19 – Alaska Day Holiday (observed)
- Wed, Oct 21 - Lunch & Learn on Emergency Leave Bank, FMLA, AFLA
- Thu, Oct 29 – Advanced Steward Training
- Tue, Nov 3 – General Election Day
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- Labor Walks every Saturday and phone banks every Wednesday now until Election Day. Contact AllianaS@asea52.org if interested in learning more.
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- Wed, Nov 18 – Lunch & Learn, topic TBD
- Wed, Dec 9 – Thu, Dec 10 – ASEA Executive Board Quarterly Business Session in Anchorage (and online)
Looking Further Ahead
Nominations for the ASEA Executive Board, Judicial Panel, and GGU Contract Negotiating Committee (CNC) will take place later this year, followed by ASEA elections and our Political Education Leadership (PEL) Conference in early 2027. After ASEA Elections are held, GGU CNC activity will begin ramping up as we prepare for negotiations on our 2028-2031 collective bargaining agreement.
Members will be notified once the Executive Board has selected our next Executive Director. In the meantime, our focus remains on representing our members, supporting our chapters, building our union, and continuing the work ahead.
Thank you for your continued and dedicated public service and union membership.
Together, We Are ASEA Strong.
In Solidarity,
MaryAnn Ganacias
Interim Executive Director
ASEA/AFSCME Local 52
(907) 277-5200
https://ASEA52.org