What is AFSCME's structure?

As an AFSCME member, you become part of a local union (also called a local) consisting of the coworkers in your office, institution, department or community. AFSCME has more than 3,500 local unions in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each local writes its own constitution, holds regular membership meetings and elects its own officers and stewards.

What is a Council?

Councils are a part of AFSCME's administrative structure. They negotiate contracts, handle grievances, arbitrate, educate and provide public relations and help with legislative and political action. Often, AFSCME local unions within one state, city or county pool their resources to form a stronger council. AFSCME has 61 councils.

What is the AFSCME International Union?

The AFSCME International Union, based in Washington, D.C., coordinates the union's actions on major national issues such as privatization, health care and work safety. The International carries out certain national functions such as representing us in the U.S. Congress and coordinating political activities for federal elections. It also provides resources and expert help to councils and local unions in areas such as:

• Collective bargaining and negotiations
• Communications
• Health and safety on the job
• Information systems
• Leadership education
• Legal counsel
• Legislative lobbying
• Organizing
• Political action
• Public relations
• Research
• Training
• Women's rights

Who determines AFSCME's direction?

AFSCME members. Every two years, AFSCME holds its International Convention. AFSCME members are elected as delegates and debate and vote on the union's basic policies. Every four years, delegates elect the International Union's President, Secretary-Treasurer and 31 regional vice presidents.

Gerald W. McEntee is the International President of AFSCME. He was first elected in 1981. President McEntee is widely recognized as one of the most effective tabor leaders in the country. He chairs the AFL-CIO Political Education Committee.

William Lucy is AFSCME's International Secretary-Treasurer. He was elected in May 1972. Secretary-Treasurer Lucy is a long-time labor and civil rights leader, and the founder of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.

What is United Nurses of America?

United Nurses of America (UNA) is an AFSCME affiliate made up of over 60,000 registered and licensed practical nurses. Through UNA, nurses in every council, local and affiliated union can be involved in the decisions that affect their working conditions and the profession of nursing. UNA fights to ensure that professional nurses retain their rightful voice in the health care system as caregivers and as advocates for quality care.

What is AFSCME Corrections United?

AFSCME Corrections United (ACU) brings together 80,000 corrections officers and personnel who work in prisons across the nation. ACU is a powerful lobbying force at state and federal levels on such issues as privatization, safety and health, staffing levels and survivor benefits.

What is AFSCME Retirees?

More than 220,000 men and women who retired from public service careers comprise AFSCME Retirees, a nationwide organization dedicated to fight for common goals, such as preserving Social Security and improving retirement benefits.

How does AFSCME address women's issues?

Fifty-two percent of AFSCME members are women, and many hold leadership positions in local unions. AFSCME's Women's Rights Department helps strengthen women's roles as leaders and political activists through research, technical assistance and training.

What is the AFL-CIO?

The American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is the voluntary federation of the nation's unions, representing more than 13 million working women and men.

The AFL-CIO's mission is to bring social and economic justice to our nation by enabling working people to have a voice on the job, in government, in a changing global economy and in their communities.