On a day dedicated to honoring civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the America's Work Force Union Podcast dove into the intertwined history of labor rights and civil rights. We welcomed Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), to discuss the union's pivotal role in the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike and the ongoing fight for workers' rights.
Saunders, a Cleveland native and son of union members, has been at the helm of AFSCME since 2012. As the first African American to serve as president of the 1.4 million-member union, Saunders brings a wealth of experience to the labor movement. He shared his journey from a labor economist to union leadership and the drive behind his dedication to fighting for workers' rights.
The 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike exemplifies Dr. King’s message and its connection to the labor movement. The day before his assassination, Dr. King stood in solidarity with AFSCME members fighting for dignity and fair treatment. The iconic slogan "I Am A Man" emerged from this struggle, encapsulating the workers' demand for respect and recognition as human beings.
As we reflect on Dr. King's legacy and the struggles of the past, Saunders' words remind us that the fight for dignity, respect, and fair treatment in the workplace is far from over. The labor movement must continue to evolve and engage new generations of workers to carry forward the vision of a more just and equitable society.
To hear more from Saunders about AFSCME's history, current challenges and future plans, listen to the full episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast.