AFSCME   1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20036

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

The history of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) began in 1932, when a group of white-collar professional state employees formed what would later become Wisconsin State Employees Union/Council 24. These early leaders were devoted to promoting, defending, and enhancing the civil service system. By the 1930s, similar groups of civil service employees existed in major cities and states nationwide. These groups united in 1936 when the American Federation of Labor (AFL) granted a charter for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Arnold Zander served as the first International President.

Throughout the past 75 years, the AFSCME has continued to grow across the country. Today, it provides members with a powerful voice for fighting injustices on the job and ensuring fairness in the workplace. AFSCME members include corrections officers, law enforcement and emergency services workers, social workers, child care workers, university employees, health care workers, and food service workers. The AFSCME advocates for excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families. The organization is dedicated to securing for better pay and benefits and safe workplaces for members, as well as upholding the standard of professionalism.