American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Overview

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is the largest trade union of public employees in the United States. Founded in 1932 in Madison, Wisconsin, AFSCME represents over 1.3 million public sector employees and retirees, including health care workers, corrections officers, sanitation workers, police officers, firefighters, and childcare providers.

History

AFSCME was formed during the Great Depression as an effort to save civil service jobs. Initially, it was known as the Wisconsin State Employees Association (WSEA), which was established to promote, defend, and enhance the civil service system. The organization feared that civil service jobs would be replaced by a political patronage or "spoils" system. Meetings, marches, and demonstrations were organized to defeat a bill that would dismantle the civil service system in Wisconsin.

In 1935, similar employee associations emerged in 19 states. At the American Federation of Labor (AFL) convention, the group was made a "department" of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). However, AFSCME leaders sought full independence and were granted a separate AFL charter in September 1936. Arnold Zander became AFSCME's first International President.

Growth and Impact

AFSCME's early growth was slow, but it gradually expanded its scope from protecting civil service systems to advocating for collective bargaining. By the end of 1936, AFSCME had about 10,000 members, increasing to 73,000 by 1947. The post-war period saw significant growth, with membership reaching 100,000 by 1955 following the AFL and CIO merger. AFSCME continued to grow, reaching more than a million members in the early 21st century.

Leadership and Presidents

AFSCME has had several influential presidents:

• Arnold Zander (1936–1964): He was crucial in establishing AFSCME as a national union.
• Jerry Wurf (1964–1981): Known for aggressive organizing and fighting for collective bargaining rights.
• Gerald McEntee (1981–2012): He expanded AFSCME's political activism and increased membership.
• Lee Saunders (2012–present): Continues to lead AFSCME in advocating for public employees' rights.

Political Involvement

AFSCME is actively involved in political campaigns, predominantly supporting the Democratic Party. The union was among the first to take advantage of the Citizens United decision, directly financing political ads. Major political issues for AFSCME include single-payer health care, protecting pension benefits, increasing the minimum wage, preventing privatization of government jobs, and expanding unemployment benefits.

Organizational Structure

AFSCME is part of the AFL-CIO, one of the two main labor federations in the United States. It operates through approximately 3,400 local unions across 46 U.S. states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The union's history is documented at the Walter P. Reuther Library in Detroit, Michigan.

EIN

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for AFSCME is 95-609-2384, which is associated with various local and national activities of the union.

Mission

AFSCME's mission is centered on advocating for the rights and well-being of public service workers, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. Through collective bargaining and political action, AFSCME seeks to enhance public services and maintain a strong middle class.

Affiliations

• AFL-CIO: AFSCME is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor–Congress of Industrial Organizations, participating in national labor initiatives and strategies.

Local Chapters

Local chapters like AFSCME Local 575 play critical roles in organizing and representing members on the local level, addressing specific community needs and advocating for policy changes that benefit public employees.