CREDENTIALS

All affiliates will be sent a credential packet at a later date containing both paper credential forms and instructions for using the secure online credential registration system. Credential lists may be submitted using either the paper credential forms or the online system. The online method of submission is more secure, convenient and time saving than the paper forms.

Online system: Presidents of affiliates using the online credential method of reporting delegates and alternates may access the system with the six-digit personal identification number (PIN) located at the top right-hand corner of the credential information form. Online lists must be submitted no later than June 11, 2008*.

Paper forms: Presidents of affiliates using the paper credential forms must make sure their credential lists bear the signatures of both the president and secretary and the seal of the affiliate. The blue credential delegate list and the yellow alternate list must be returned to the national office no later than June 11, 2008*, by registered or certified mail or any other reliable means, including electronic transmission, that provides proof of receipt.

(*Note earlier deadline, new for 2008, approved at the 2006 AFT convention.)

After an affiliate has submitted its credential lists, the AFT will mail each delegate a completed credential (pink) card. Delegates must bring this pink card to the convention for presentation to the credentials committee. We strongly recommend that each delegate bring photo identification to the convention.

DELEGATE ELECTION PROCEDURE

As a national union, the AFT is subject to the provisions of the Landrum-Griffin Act. This federal law, as well as the AFT Constitution, requires that:

1. Each member shall have a reasonable opportunity to be nominated as a delegate.
2. Each member shall be given notice of the right to make nominations either individually or through a notice placed in the local publication or on work bulletin boards.
3. Notice of election of delegates shall be mailed to each member at least 15 days in advance of the election.
4. Election shall be by secret ballot.
5. Results shall be published and records (including ballots) kept for one year.

It is not necessary to nominate and elect the full number of delegates allotted provided that the local passes a rule prior to the nominations setting the number to be elected.

Example: Local is entitled to 30 delegates; Local wishes to elect 10 delegates; Local passes rule prior to the nomination stating that only the 10 candidates receiving the greatest plurality will be elected.

Although many affiliates divide expense allocations equally by common practice, the Labor Department has ruled that expenses need not be distributed equally among the delegates, provided that the rule for allocating the expenses is passed before the nomination of candidates and provided further that the rule must be reasonable and one that can be uniformly enforced. Using the example previously cited, the rule could provide that the five delegates receiving the highest votes would receive expenses; the remaining five would not. It cannot be left to the discretion of an affiliate officer to decide which five of the 10 would receive the expenses.

The president or other elected union officer may serve as a delegate without a special election provided that:

1. He/she was elected to office by secret ballot according to provisions of the Landrum-Griffin Act.
2. The affiliate constitution or bylaws state that one of the duties of office is to be a delegate to the national AFT convention.

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