Statement: AFSCME President announces upcoming retirement

Everyone at AFSCME District Council 36 would like to extend our warmest congratulations to AFSCME President Lee Saunders on his upcoming retirement. Retirement is an incredible milestone and a momentous occasion that calls for celebration.

Throughout his 14 years as president, Saunders reorganized and strengthened AFSCME. He brought back a culture of organizing and grassroots activism.

President Saunders led AFSCME through some of the most challenging moments facing union members and working families. In the weeks and months following the Janus v. AFSCME decision, President Saunders launched a national campaign to expand organizing and deepen member engagement within every AFSCME affiliate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, President Saunders lobbied for emergency funding with the American Rescue Plan, which preserved essential public services.

And for more than a year, President Saunders has been leading the fight against this current administration’s attacks on unions and public sector workers. Many of the plans in Project 2025 are in motion but President Saunders and AFSCME have been pushing back every step of the way and have been successful. AFSCME has filed multiple lawsuits challenging this administration’s treacherous decisions, such as eliminating collective bargaining for nearly a million federal workers, illegally firing tens of thousands of probationary employees, and jeopardizing the security of Americans’ personal Social Security data. 

President Saunders has worked tirelessly throughout his tenure to strengthen AFSCME and protect working families across the country. His retirement marks the end of an era, and his exceptional contributions to the labor movement will not be forgotten. His leadership will be greatly missed.

"I am deeply grateful to have learned from someone with such vision and passion. You have led the Green Machine with unwavering integrity and have supported affiliates nationwide. May you thoroughly enjoy your well-deserved retirement," said Veronica Gunn, International Vice President and AFSCME District Council 36 President.

We also want to thank Elissa McBride for her work as Secretary-Treasurer. Her partnership with President Saunders has helped to strengthen and grow the union. She has led many of AFSCME’s educational initiatives, such as launching the Secretary-Treasurer Online Resource Center, the Volunteer Member Organizer program, the AFSCME Leadership Academy, and the Faces and Voices training program. Additionally, she works with the Harvard Trade Union Program and Jerry Wurf Foundation to support the leadership development of union activists across the country. We look forward to continuing working with and supporting McBride as she continues her work in the labor movement.

Once again, congratulations to President Saunders. We wish you good health and happiness in your next chapter in life!