AFSCME Convention Elects Lee Saunders International Secretary-Treasurer

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 1, 2010

Top Aide to Union President McEntee to be Sworn-in as the Union's Number Two Officer During Friday Morning Session in Boston

BOSTON – Delegates to the 39th International Convention of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, (AFSCME), today elected Lee Saunders to be the next Secretary-Treasurer of the union representing 1.6 million public service workers.

Saunders, Executive Assistant to International President Gerald W. McEntee, received 652,660 votes in the election, followed by Danny Donohue, President, Civil Service Employees Association CSEA)/AFSCME Local 1000 (NY) who received 648,356 votes. A third candidate, Mark Foley, President, Local 2019, California Council 57, received 1,489 votes.

"Danny Donohue and I are both deeply committed to our members and deeply devoted to this union," Saunders said. "Both of us waged very vigorous and energetic campaigns. I am very grateful for his words of support and look forward to working together to advance the interests of our members and the working people of this country.”

President Gerald W. McEntee said the delegates’ decision to elect Saunders “strengthens our leadership and will enhance our ability to face the challenges that await us around the country.”

Saunders will be sworn-in and address the Convention on Friday morning during the Convention's last day of business.

AFSCME’s 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations – from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers – AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

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American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
Telephone (202) 429-1145
Fax (202) 429-1120