AFSCME President Lee Saunders to Retire After 14 Years of Leadership

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Longtime AFSCME Leader Lee Saunders Announces Retirement

After leading the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for 14 years, Lee Saunders has announced his retirement as International President, marking the end of an era for the labor movement veteran who has dedicated his life to advancing public service workers' interests. Saunders plans to retire at the conclusion of the next AFSCME International Convention in August 2026.

Saunders' career with AFSCME began in 1978 when he joined as a labor economist. His tenure has been marked by key achievements in labor negotiations and coalition-building. He played a crucial role in modernizing AFSCME, especially during challenging times like the Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, which posed significant threats to workers’ collective power. Saunders responded by intensifying organizing efforts and strengthening member engagement across the union.

Under Saunders' guidance, AFSCME maintained its unity and solidarity, even amid widespread political divisions and uncertainty. His leadership was particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic when AFSCME members bravely served their communities. Saunders was instrumental in securing emergency funding through the American Rescue Plan, which preserved essential services and jobs nationwide.

Saunders emphasized the enduring strength of worker power, stating, “It has been an honor to work on behalf of America’s public service workers. Leadership changes hands, but the power stays exactly where it has always been, with the workers. Worker power endures, and AFSCME is built for the fights ahead.”

During Saunders’ presidency, AFSCME expanded its reach, establishing new collective bargaining laws in Colorado, Virginia, and Nevada, thereby enabling more public service workers to have a significant voice in their workplace.

In tandem with Saunders' announcement, AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride declared she would also step down at the end of the August 2026 convention. McBride, who joined AFSCME in 2001, has been a pivotal figure alongside Saunders, enhancing the union's resources and supporting grassroots activism. Her career in the labor movement began in 1989 with the United Auto Workers District 65, and she has since been a committed organizer and leader, advancing workers' rights and union strength across the nation.

AFSCME now stands on a strong foundation, bolstered by its history of resilience and grassroots activism, ready to continue its advocacy for public service workers under new leadership come 2026.

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