OBJECTIVES

I. To develop an infrastructure that establishes, supports, and coordinates the International Union's Public Employee Department, while integrating into the International Union's Structure.

1. Establish an Office at Headquarters
   The Department will establish, equip and staff a permanent office in Washington, D.C. The Headquarters' office will facilitate the needs of the Public Employee Department, accessing the International's resources and services of other Departments. Particular attention will be given to organizing representation, training and Political Activity.
2. Establish a Standing Coordinating Committee
   A Standing Coordinating Committee will be comprised of two representatives from each Region. These individuals will be appointed by the Regional Manager. In addition, two representatives from the Federal Division will be appointed by the General President. This Committee, which will meet twice a year, will focus on encouraging public sector organizing drives, and will develop model programs and benefit programs for public sector employees. (See Coordinating Committee)
3. Annual Public Employee Meeting
   The Department will sponsor an Annual Conference for Public, Healthcare and Federal Sector Locals. The Conference will focus on organizing strategies, servicing and educating LIUNA's Public Employee members and will highlight future programs and initiatives of the Public Employees Department and LIUNA affiliates. The Conference will also review LIUNA benefits including the Industrial Pension Plan, the Health Fund, Rx programs, and the Union Plus Benefits Program.

II. Develop the Vehicle for Effective Public Employee Department Communications

1. Establish a Communications Hub
   Establish a PED Office at Headquarters to operate as a communications hub to the Regions and Public Employee Locals and District Councils throughout the country.
2. Develop a Public Employee Census
   Develop a Public Employee Census, which will be distributed to all LIUNA Locals, District Councils and Regional Offices. This census form will be used to identify public employee units and classifications, and the make-up of their membership in the public sector.
3. Develop a Public Employee Directory
   Develop and distribute a comprehensive directory of public employee locals and councils by Region, based on the results of the individual Local Union and District Council surveys. This directory will include all public sector Locals, addresses, officers, and e-mail or Internet addresses.
4. Establish a Communication Network
   Develop electronic communication capability both at the International and within the Public Employee locals. The Department will assist Locals in gaining such capability through technical support, and will supply information on contracts, representation, and election victories. The Department will develop strong lines of communication with the LIUNA Regional Offices to provide the necessary resources and services that will further the growth of Public Employee membership.
5. Develop Stronger Relationships with Construction Locals and District Councils
   Increase public profile of the Department and public sector employees through the Laborers' magazine, videos and other resources available through the Public Affairs Department.

III. Develop and Deliver Effective Education and Training

1. Survey Training Status and Resources
   The Department will conduct a training survey using the Public Employee Census Form. A subcommittee on training, servicing, and education will be established within the Coordinating Committee to develop standardized models of training programs needed by Public Employee jurisdictions.
2. Education Department Coordination
   The Department, in conjunction with the Education Department, will review and revise current training and leadership programs to develop additional training that maintains LIUNA's reputation for aggressive and active representation of its members. Together, the Department will also develop a model curriculum that covers such issues as labor history through train-the-trainer programs. (See PED Academy)
3. Coordination with LIUNA's Tri-Fund
   The Department will actively seek out ways to coordinate with LIUNA's Tri-Funds, and will educate public employees about the benefits and services of these Funds.

IV. Outreach and Advocacy Programs

1. Diversity Profile
   The Public Employee census and survey will be used to develop a profile of the diversity of LIUNA's Public Employee membership, including work classification, gender, ethnic, racial, and language diversity.
2. Diversity Development
   In cooperation with the Department of Minority Advancement, this department will recognize diversity of our public sector membership and meet their needs, and develop a program to advance diversity. In particular, gender equity and awareness of women's issues in Local Unions, District Councils, and the International Union will be encouraged.
3. Political Activity
   Public Sector employees, Locals and District Councils will be encouraged to actively participate in the Laborers' Political League and other local and regional political activities. Public Employee Coordinators within each Region will be urged to assist these Locals in developing a plan for Public Employee participation in existing LPLs and, where appropriate, to develop their own PAC for participation in local campaigns.
4. Participate in Coalitions
   LIUNA public sector locals will be encouraged to cooperate with other Unions representing public sector employees through existing coalition organizations, or to initiate such bodies to strengthen solidarity and coordination among unions.