American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

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AFSCME logo
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Full nameAmerican Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Founded1932
Members1.4 million
AffiliationAFL-CIO
Key peopleLee Saunders (President)
Office locationWashington, D.C.
CountryUnited States


The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is one of the largest labor unions in the United States, representing approximately 1.4 million public sector employees. AFSCME is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

History[edit | edit source]

AFSCME was founded in 1932 in Madison, Wisconsin, during the Great Depression. The union was established to address the needs of public sector workers who were not covered by existing labor laws. Over the years, AFSCME has grown significantly, expanding its membership and influence.

Structure and Governance[edit | edit source]

AFSCME is organized into local unions, councils, and international bodies. The union's highest governing body is the International Convention, which meets biennially. The union is led by a president, currently Lee Saunders, and an executive board.

Membership[edit | edit source]

AFSCME represents a diverse group of public sector employees, including healthcare workers, sanitation workers, public safety officers, and clerical staff. The union advocates for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members.

Activities[edit | edit source]

AFSCME is involved in a variety of activities, including collective bargaining, political advocacy, and community service. The union has been active in lobbying for labor-friendly legislation and supporting political candidates who align with its goals.

Notable Campaigns[edit | edit source]

One of AFSCME's most notable campaigns was the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike, which was a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. The strike highlighted the poor working conditions and low wages of sanitation workers and garnered national attention.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD