AFSCME Family,

Watch this video capturing all the highlights of our 46th International Convention.

We flexed our muscle, showed our pride and raised our voice. We learned new skills and strengthened our bonds of solidarity. We celebrated the accomplishments of the last few years, while proposing a Fearless Agenda for the future.

We heard from the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris, by video. And our next vice president, Tim Walz, a longtime union brother and public service worker, joined us in person. He chose our convention for his first solo campaign appearance because he knows just how powerful we are.

At our rally on Wednesday, we brought the fire. We sent a clear message to the bosses at the University of California that we will not be pushed around — not when the members of Local 3299 need a new contract that gives them dignity and respect.

We paid tribute to Rev. James Lawson, a giant of the civil rights movement. Rev. Lawson, who died in June at the age of 95, was a key AFSCME ally during the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike and was one of the greatest architects for social change in U.S. history.

In an emotional moment, we honored the compassion and courage of Amy Simpson of AFSCME Council 75 in Oregon. For her work as a mental health specialist who helps people struggling with substance abuse, Amy received AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award.

Now, we have to bottle up the energy we generated during this convention and take it back home. Take it back home to continue organizing and building power. Take it back home to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and pro-worker candidates in your community. Take it back home and let your co-workers know that the union difference — the AFSCME difference — can change your life.

Check out this great wrap-up video.

We are adjourned! I can’t wait to do this again in Chicago in 2026.

In solidarity,

Lee Saunders
AFSCME President