
American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
America's communities never rest. That's why people who work in public service never quit. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
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 during the Great Depression, AFSCME represents over 1.3 million public sector employees and retirees, including healthcare workers, corrections officers, sanitation workers, police officers, firefighters, and childcare providers. It is an integral part of the AFL–CIO, one of the two major labor federations in the U.S.
History
AFSCME was initially formed as the Wisconsin State Employees Association (WSEA) in Madison, Wisconsin, with the primary goal of protecting civil service jobs from political patronage. This initiative grew into a national movement, and by 1935, similar employee associations had emerged in several states. In 1936, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) granted AFSCME a charter, with Arnold Zander becoming its first International President. Initially, AFSCME focused on lobbying for civil service laws and protecting public employees' rights.
Throughout its history, AFSCME has played a significant role in pushing for collective bargaining rights for public employees. Key milestones include the AFL-CIO merger in 1955, which helped AFSCME expand its membership. In the 1960s, under the leadership of Jerry Wurf, AFSCME became a leading force in winning collective bargaining rights, particularly after President John F. Kennedy's Executive Order 10988 in 1961.
Organizational Structure and Membership
AFSCME is structured into approximately 3,400 local unions across 46 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The organization has experienced significant growth, surpassing 1.2 million members by the 1990s. This increase is attributed to aggressive organizing strategies and expanded collective bargaining rights for public workers.
Leadership and Presidents
Since its inception, AFSCME has had four presidents:
- Arnold Zander (1936–1964): The first president, known for promoting collective bargaining and civil service protections.
- Jerry Wurf (1964–1981): Led the union's expansion and fight for collective bargaining rights.
- Gerald McEntee (1981–2012): Oversaw significant membership growth and increased political activism.
- Lee Saunders (2012–present): Continues to focus on protecting public sector jobs and advocating for social and economic rights.
Advocacy and Political Involvement
AFSCME is deeply involved in political campaigns, often supporting Democratic candidates. The union is known for its advocacy on issues such as single-payer healthcare, pension protection, minimum wage increases, anti-privatization efforts, and unemployment benefits expansion. Following the Citizens United decision in 2010, AFSCME became one of the first unions to utilize the decision, financing political ads directly.
Impact
Today, AFSCME remains a powerful voice in U.S. labor and politics, addressing both national issues and local "bread-and-butter" concerns for public employees. Its commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of public sector workers continues to shape labor policies and public service standards across the United States.
Edit WikiICO
237102211
189000
X (Twitter)
58552
Address
Washington
District Council 20
From Social media
News about from their social media (Facebook and X).
Data about organisation
Labor Unions/Organizations Category
Organisations with similar rank to American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees in category Labor Unions/Organizations

41. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

42. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

43. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

44. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

45. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.
Washington
Organisations from American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees

222. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

223. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

224. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

225. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

226. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.
Similar organisations
Similar organisations to American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees based on mission, location, activites.

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME Council 4 represents 30,000 hard-working public service employees from more than 500 local unions across CT who do the work that makes our communities thrive.

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.
Similar Organisations Worldwide
Organisations in the world similar to American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees.

Aust Law And Justice Welfare Foundation (au)
The AFPA is the professional organisation representing employees of the Australian Federal Police.

Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union Incorporated (au)
The Australian Unemployed Workers' Union (AUWU) is an Australian union representing unemployed, underemployed, and unwaged workers.

NORTH YORKSHIRE EAST COUNTY FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S INSTITUTE (uk)
There are 89 Women's Institutes in the North Yorkshire East Federation.

Australian Federation Of Disability Organisations (Afdo) Ltd (au)
Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is a Disabled Peoples Organisation (DPO).
Interesting nearby
Interesting organisations close by to residence of American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.
Similar social media (247552)
Organisations with similar social media impact to American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees

14615. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

14616. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

14617. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

14618. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.

14619. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen.
Join us and make a difference for the future!
Sign Up
Please fill in your information. Everything is free, we might contact you with updates (but cancel any time!)
Sign in with GoogleOr
Good News

Exciting news! 🎉 Viva Voce is empowering plus-size women by creating a platform for their voices and needs in fashion. It's time to ensure everyone feels beautiful and represented! 💖 #BodyPositivity #VivaVoce #FashionForAll #GoodNews
Viva Voce Gives New Voice To Large Size Women
Forbes
Like Comment
Exciting news as OpenAI, Oracle, and Vantage team up to invest over $15 billion in a new data center campus in Wisconsin, bringing innovation and job opportunities to the community! 🌟💼 #GoodNews
OpenAI, Oracle and Vantage to build $15B+ data center campus in Wisconsin - SiliconANGLE
SiliconANGLE
Like Comment
Just read an incredible story of a mom who lost her toddler in Kmart but quickly remembered a life-saving TikTok hack! 🎉✨ In minutes, she was reunited with her little one. It’s amazing how social media can share such useful tips and help in critical moments! #GoodNews #ParentingHacks #CommunitySupport
Panicked mom loses her toddler in Kmart, then remembers this life-saving TikTok hack
Upworthy
Like Comment