What began as a small group of state workers fighting against the patronage system in Wisconsin 90 years ago has transformed into the AFSCME we know today — a 1.4-million- member labor powerhouse that has never stopped fighting for working families, retirees and public services.
We celebrated that legacy Monday with a video that chronicled AFSCME’s proud, 90-year heritage. It was played on the first day of the 47th AFSCME International Convention in Chicago.
Introducing that video was Joanna Frasch from Council 32 in Wisconsin, who said that the original union, the Wisconsin State Employees Association, “has grown into a movement of working people united by a shared commitment to public service and to each other.”
Frasch added: “As we celebrate this milestone, we also honor the generations of members whose dedication has shaped our union and strengthened communities across the country.”
Joining Frasch on stage was Adrian Rodgers, a member of Local 1733 from Memphis, Tennessee.
“I’m a sanitation worker in Memphis,” Rodgers said. “I know my history — I take it with me to every contract negotiation and every picket line.”
Rodgers was referring to the iconic slogan worn by the 1,300 AFSCME sanitation workers in Memphis who went on strike in 1968 for dignity and respect.
Rodgers said that while our struggle still continues, we fight on.
“The story of the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike reminds us that dignity, respect and a voice on the job are won when working people stand together,” said Rodgers. “As we celebrate 90 years of AFSCME, I’m proud to stand in that tradition and to carry it forward with all of you.” The 47th AFSCME International Convention proved that we are built for this moment as we celebrate our union’s 90th anniversary.
