It was a powerful and emotional week as thousands of delegates, including OCSEA delegates, gathered for AFSCME's 47th International Convention in Chicago. International President Lee Saunders kicked off the convention on Monday by giving his farewell address after leading AFSCME for 14 years. Pres. Saunders rallied union members to continue organizing, mobilizing and fighting to build power for working people and protect public services.
With delegates chanting his name and waving signs, Saunders also spoke about his 50-year career as an activist and union leader, a career that began when he joined OCSEA while working at the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services (OBES). OCSEA President Chris Mabe was the first to speak in favor of a resolution honoring Saunders for his many contributions to organized labor. Delegates unanimously approved the resolution that gives Saunders the title of President Emeritus and creates a scholarship fund in his honor.
Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride also delivered her final keynote speech to the AFSCME Convention on Tuesday, reminding attendees that “We cannot rest until every public service worker in our country has the freedom to collectively bargain,” she said.
In addition to hearing from an amazing line up of guest speakers, like AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, musicians like Tom Morella (Rage Against the Machine), union activists, labor and economic experts and so many more, delegates also attended to the business of the union. This included nominating and electing the next leaders of the union.
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 President Patrick Moran was nominated and elected by the delegation to serve as the new AFSCME International President, representing 1.4 million members across the country. The floor nomination speech came from Pres. Mabe, calling him "a labor leader who knows how to organize, how to fight and how to win." For the last 14 years, Moran has led Council 3 with integrity, care, and an organizing spirit, says his union. Under his leadership, the council expanded collective bargaining rights to over 15,000 workers in Maryland; secured historic raises, a heat safety standard, and so much more.
Nicole R. Pollard was nominated and elected to serve as the next AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer. Pollard served as the Legal Counsel and Executive Assistant to the AFSCME President. "We look forward to their leadership and guidance as we build momentum for workers across this nation," said Mabe.
Additionally, OCSEA union brother Carrington Melton was awarded the prestigious 2026 AFSCME Never Quit Service Award. Carrington, who did not know he was receiving the award, was delighted and surprised during Wednesday’s event honoring his public work for veterans, as a veteran. Brother Melton, a U.S. Army Veteran, is a Disabled Veteran Outreach Specialist with the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services. He helps Ohio veterans find jobs and resources. Look for a full report on Brother Melton's award (PLUS an amazing video honoring his public service) in next week's e-newsletter. You WILL NOT want to miss it!
We will also have updates on a massive rally experience in which the AFSCME delegation stood strong to support AFSCME members at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. They are currently fighting for a fair contract.
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