AFSCME in San Francisco – We Make Organizing Happen

July 31, 2008

Day 3 of AFSCME's 38th International Convention: Organizing was in the spotlight yesterday as delegates heard inspiring stories of successful campaigns and contract fights, bruising battles against anti-union bosses and exciting accounts by volunteer member organizers (VMOs) who are helping workers win a voice on the job. Led by Brian Blackledge, a corrections officer and member of Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA)/Local 11, the special program featured testimonials from eight members who described how joining the union changes lives. Child care providers from Wisconsin and Michigan, a registered nurse from California and a utilities worker from Oklahoma all talked about doing what many said was impossible. AFSCME members who work for school bus operator First Student Inc. spoke about the threats they faced while trying to organize and the thrill of victory when they won. The international company – the largest school bus contractor worldwide – is notorious for threatening and intimidating workers and union organizers. As a VMO, Blackledge helped workers fight for bargaining rights in Kentucky. He urged delegates to get involved and become VMOs themselves. Watch these inspiring members below: