AFSCME International President Lee Saunders electrified and inspired OCSEA leaders at the recent OCSEA Steward Conference. His powerhouse speech was a "thank you" to Ohio's public union members and a solemn goodbye as he prepares to retire from his union presidency later this year.
"This is home. This is family," said Saunders. "The first thing that I did when I became a state employee, working for OBES [Ohio Bureau of Employment Services], I joined a union. And guess what union I joined? It was OCSEA!" he exclaimed proudly. Originally, an OCSEA AFSCME Local 11 member and activist, Saunders went on to serve AFSCME International for nearly 50 years, as a staffer as well as its Secretary-Treasurer and then President for 14 years.
"Lee has been and always will be an OCSEA member, through and through," said OCSEA President Chris Mabe, who reflects on Saunder's labor and OCSEA history, including early bargaining and contract fights here in Ohio. “Lee leaves his mark on this nation. He’s a great man and a great leader, and one hell of a fighter for the labor movement,” said Mabe.
Saunders retirement will take effect at the conclusion of the upcoming AFSCME International Convention in August 2026, where delegates will elect new leadership to carry forward the union’s mission. But he didn't skip a beat when talking to leaders at the OCSEA Steward Conference about the significant tasks ahead. He spoke of the gravity of the upcoming statewide and legislative elections, putting his support behind pro-union Ohio Governor candidate Amy Acton, as well as the critical importance of the AFSCME GO (Get Organized) campaign that will continue his legacy for union worker rights for years to come.
"The real power of this union has never lived in any one leader. That power rests with all of our members," said Saunders, calling AFSCME members the “best damn members" in the labor movement. "I couldn’t have done it without you!" he said.