American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is the largest trade union representing public employees in the United States. Founded in 1932 during the Great Depression, AFSCME was initially established to protect civil service systems and prevent them from being replaced by a patronage system. The organization is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, one of the two major labor federations in the U.S.

History

AFSCME began as the Wisconsin State Employees Association, formed by a group of white-collar state employees in Madison, Wisconsin. This group sought to defend the civil service system, which faced threats from political patronage. The American Federation of Labor (AFL) granted AFSCME a charter in 1936, with Arnold Zander as its first International President. Over time, AFSCME expanded beyond Wisconsin, establishing itself nationwide as a force in collective bargaining for public employees.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, AFSCME began to focus more aggressively on collective bargaining rights for public workers, particularly under the leadership of Jerry Wurf. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy's Executive Order 10988 legitimized collective bargaining for federal employees, creating a favorable environment for similar rights at the state and local levels. AFSCME's membership grew significantly in the following decades, reaching over 1,000,000 members by the early 21st century.

Organizational Structure

AFSCME is divided into approximately 3,400 local unions across 46 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes a wide range of public sector employees, such as health care workers, corrections officers, sanitation workers, police officers, firefighters, and childcare providers.

Political Engagement

AFSCME is known for its strong political activism, often supporting Democratic candidates and causes such as single-payer health care, pension protection, and raising the minimum wage. Following the Citizens United decision in 2010, AFSCME became one of the first organizations to utilize the new campaign finance rules, directly financing campaign ads.

Current Status

As one of the largest and most influential labor unions in the U.S., AFSCME continues to advocate for public employees' rights and benefits, addressing issues like job security, wages, and collective bargaining rights. Its leadership and membership remain pivotal in shaping labor policies and social issues at both the state and federal levels.