American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is the largest trade union of public employees in the United States. It represents a diverse range of careers in the public sector, including healthcare workers, corrections officers, sanitation workers, police officers, firefighters, and childcare providers.

History

AFSCME was founded in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1932, during the Great Depression. The union emerged from the Wisconsin State Employees Association (WSEA), whose primary goal was to protect civil service jobs from political patronage. Initially focusing on promoting and defending the civil service system, AFSCME grew rapidly across the U.S. In 1936, it received a charter from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and became an independent union, with Arnold Zander as its first International President.

Growth and Development

During the early years, AFSCME focused on lobbying for stronger civil service laws. By the end of 1936, it had approximately 10,000 members. The union's growth accelerated, especially after World War II, as it became a leader in advocating for collective bargaining rights for public sector employees. The AFL-CIO merger in 1955 further solidified AFSCME's position within the labor movement. By the 1960s, AFSCME had become a powerful voice for public workers, with significant organizing campaigns led by figures like Jerry Wurf.

Membership and Structure

As of 2021, AFSCME has over 1.3 million members across the United States, making it one of the major labor unions in the country. It is structured into approximately 3,400 local unions across 46 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Key Policies and Involvement

AFSCME is known for its political activism, often supporting Democratic candidates. The union advocates for issues like single-payer healthcare, pension protection, a higher minimum wage, and preventing the privatization of public jobs. AFSCME was also one of the first organizations to utilize the 2010 Citizens United decision to fund political advertisements directly.

Leadership

Notable past leaders include Arnold Zander, Jerry Wurf, and Gerald McEntee. The union's current president is Lee Saunders, who continues to lead the organization in its efforts to protect public sector workers' rights.