AFSCME International President Lee Saunders will join leaders at the upcoming OCSEA Steward Conference to say thank you to Ohio's public union members and to say goodbye as he prepares to retire from the office later this year.
After 14 years as president and a lifetime of service to working people and the labor movement, President Saunders announced his decision to retire from his role as International President in February of this year. His retirement will take effect at the conclusion of the next AFSCME International Convention in August 2026, where delegates will elect new leadership to carry forward the union’s mission.
Saunders, always an electrifying speaker within the labor movement––and an OCSEA favorite––will also inspire activists to fight hard for union rights and to get involved in Get Out the Vote efforts this fall and beyond.
"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," said Saunders of his retirement.
The annual OCSEA Steward Conference will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Columbus. The event, open to all members who registered by May 22, will be in-person at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center located at 100 Green Meadows Drive South, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035. Pre-conference trainings will also be held on Friday, June 5 in the evening starting at 6 p.m.
Additionally, attendees will hear from Mediator and Labor Relations professional Joe Trejo. Mr. Trejo, a familiar face to many seasoned stewards, is known for his balanced approach, practical experience, and collaborative leadership style. He continues to help organizations successfully navigate complex workplace and labor relations challenges.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to talk with our Discount College partners from Employee Benefit Systems (EBS) Union College Benefit and Edvance Union College Benefit. All dues-paying OCSEA members and retirees as well as their extended family members have access to discounted college rates. The programs cover a diverse range of discounted educational programs, including degrees and certifications at online colleges and universities nationwide.
Visit OCSEA.org/StewardConference to view the Steward Conference tentative agenda and get speaker bios.