July 8, 2010 - Thousands of AFSCME delegates, representing over a million public employees, converged on Boston last week for the 39th International AFSCME Convention. This included delegates from the three Ohio AFSCME affiliates: OCSEA, AFSCME Ohio Council 8 and Ohio Association of Public School Employees.

Delegates participated in the business of the international union, including making changes to the AFSCME Constitution and electing officers.

The big news of the convention was the election of Lee Saunders to the office of Secretary-Treasurer. This was a big deal for the OCSEA and Ohio delegation, given Saunders is a former OCSEA member himself and represented OCSEA during the union’s first-ever contract negotiations.

Saunders, who is filling some big shoes as the replacement of retiring William Lucy, told the delegates that solidarity is all about “standing up for the dignity of all working people.” He pledged to join forces with AFSCME members and workers across the country.

Saunders is former executive assistant to President Gerald McEntee.

For Convention highlights, visit http://convention.afscme.org.

In other big news, members of OCSEA’s Women’s Committee Relay Team placed 2nd in the AFSCME Convention PEOPLE Fun Run held during the convention.

The event, held at every AFSCME Convention, raised nearly $20,000 for the AFSCME Political Action Committee PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized for Political and Legislative Equality). Special recognition went to the OCSEA’s Women’s Committee Relay Team for raising $3,700 of that $20,000. Congratulations!

See Related

OCSEA News