AFSCME members energized and ready to mobilize following the union’s 45th International Convention
PHILADELPHIA — Today marked the conclusion of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ (AFSCME) 45th International Convention. The convention began on Monday, July 11, with thousands of AFSCME members from around the country gathering in Philadelphia to share their stories, sharpen their skills, and complete the business of the union.
AFSCME members got right down to doing what they do best – organizing. They moved to support each other in their own contract fights. More than 2,100 AFSCME members joined together on the steps of Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) to demand a fair first contract for the workers there, members of AFSCME Local 397. They even took time to phonebank to elect pro-worker candidates across the country.
In his closing remarks, AFSCME President Lee Saunders urged members to channel the energy from convention into future fights. “Now the real work begins … I’m asking you to take the energy and inspiration in this room and take it back to your locals. I’m asking you to be louder, to dig deeper, to fight harder. I’m asking you to kick the Mean Green Machine into overdrive.”
AFSCME members also paid tribute to the life of Jerry McEntee, who passed away on Sunday, July 10. President Biden recognized Jerry as “a labor giant” who “transformed AFSCME into a beacon of hope for American workers and families.” His legacy served as an inspiration throughout the convention, which featured a memorial wall where AFSCME members could share fond memories and thoughts of Jerry. AFSCME continues to collect memories at McEntee.AFSCME.org.
“Over the last five days, I think we would have made Jerry McEntee proud,” Saunders added in his closing address.
For more details on the speakers and events from AFSCME’s 45th International Convention, visit convention.AFSCME.org.