The division of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union, whose jurisdiction comprises the state of Pennsylvania, has been placed under administratorship by AFSCME International, due to financial difficulties, according to a joint news release from the International and Pennsylvania Council 13.

“Serious financial problems currently impact Council 13’s ability to live up to its obligations to the national union,” thus necessitating the takeover, according to the news release.

The financial problems “are not the result of financial impropriety or the fault of any one individual,” and the administratorship will not interrupt services to union members, according to the news release.

The COVID-19 pandemic and staff shortages were “major contributing factors” to the fiscal problems, according to a followup email from an AFSCME spokesman — who didn’t address the Mirror’s question on whether the financial problems stem from the 2018 Janus v. AFSCME U.S. Supreme Court decision that prevents public sector unions from forcing employees to pay union dues.

The leadership of Harrisburg-based Council 13, “despite its best efforts, has been unable to resolve” the financial difficulties, according to the news release.

Under the new arrangement, AFSCME Director of Organizing and Field Services Mike Sukal will be administrator, while former Executive Director David Henderson will become one of two deputy administrators — along with AFSCME Area Field Services Director Maximus Weikel, according to the release.

The new administrators will work with leaders, members and staff to assess the council’s strengths, weaknesses and finances, according to the AFSCME spokesman, who declined to be identified.

The intention is to strengthen the council, grow its membership and preserve the rights and interests of the workers it represents, the email stated, adding that all District Council offices will remain open.

The Mirror tried to get a message to the director of District Council 83 in Duncansville, whose jurisdiction comprises Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Centre, Huntingdon, Fulton, Indiana, Somerset and Westmoreland counties, but didn’t hear back.

There is no “predetermined timetable” for the administratorship, but it “will not last a moment longer than necessary,” the AFSCME spokesman stated in an email.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.