AFSCME International & District Council 36 Convention Recap

It was an electrifying week for AFSCME District Council 36 members. Thousands of AFSCME members from across the country descended on Los Angeles for AFSCME’s 46th International Convention beginning on August 12th and ending on August 16th.

President Lee Saunders gave an inspiring keynote speech about AFSCME’s ‘fearless’ agenda for the future. Vice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz, praised AFSCME members for their hard work and dedication to public service. He recognized that public service workers are the backbone of America and unions strengthen the middle class.

We stood in solidarity with AFSCME 3299 at a rally on Wednesday as they continue to fight for a fair contract. We also took care of union business. We reviewed, discussed, and voted on dozens of amendments, resolutions, and appeals. Lee Saunders and Elissa McBride were re-elected, by acclamation, as president and secretary-treasurer. Council 36’s very own, Veronica Gunn, was elected to be an international vice-president on AFSCME’s executive board.

The week ended with Council 36 holding a special convention. We discussed the four priorities the advisory board developed to help the Council build power for a better future. We also discussed and voted on a constitutional amendment.

We are excited to take all of the energy, passion, and unity we felt throughout the week and bring it back to the Council and individual Local Unions. We are enthusiastic about the future of our union!