AFSCME Family,

A few hours ago, I spoke to thousands of delegates at AFSCME’s 46^th International Convention, and the mood was electric in the hall.

Click here to see some highlights of my keynote speech.

We’ve got a lot to be proud of and optimistic about. Over the last few years, we’ve faced some big tests and emerged even stronger.

But I focused today on the road ahead and not what’s in the rearview mirror. We are at a pivotal moment in our history, and we need forward-looking ideas that address the challenges that keep AFSCME members up at night.

So, I outlined a new “Fearless Agenda” for our union that focuses on health and safety, solving the staffing crisis, and strengthening the care economy.

To make that agenda a reality, we must keep organizing and growing. We also need to show our political power, especially during the next few months as we prepare for an election with the highest stakes.

There is no question about it: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz see us, respect us and honor our work. They know that the working class is the engine of our economy, and they will fight for our freedoms every day. Their opponents, on the other hand, are the driving force behind the extreme and divisive Project 2025, which actually seeks to ban public service unions like ours.

So, it’s time to get to work and do what we do best. We need to talk to our co-workers, our families and our neighbors. We need to mobilize in huge numbers to put Kamala and Tim over the top.

I talked about all this today in Los Angeles — please have a look.

We will get it done — because we are, as our convention theme says, Front Line & Fearless.

In solidarity,

Lee Saunders
AFSCME President