American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees is one of the largest unions in the United States. The union, often called AFSCME, represents public employees and health care workers. It seeks to improve working conditions and achieve dignity for its members through collective bargaining with employers. The union is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. It has local unions throughout the country.
AFSCME’s members include employees of state, county, and municipal governments; school districts; public and private hospitals; universities; and nonprofit agencies. Health and hospital workers form the largest part of the union’s membership.
The organization was founded in 1936. Its headquarters are in Washington, D.C. For membership, see Labor movement (table: Important U.S. labor unions) .
