We Are Not Alone: Reflections from the AFSCME Convention

AFSCME Elects New International Union Leadership

Delegates to AFSCME’s 47th International Convention elected Patrick Moran as International President and Nicole Pollard as International Secretary-Treasurer, marking a new chapter for the 1.4-million-member union. Moran succeeds Lee Saunders, who retired after 14 years as AFSCME president.

Moran previously served as an AFSCME International Vice President and president of Maryland Council 3, where his work included expanding collective bargaining rights, strengthening workplace safety standards, and growing union membership. Pollard brings more than three decades of labor experience, including work in collective bargaining, grievances and arbitration, union governance, and worker representation.

Local 685 congratulates President Moran and Secretary-Treasurer Pollard and looks forward to working with AFSCME’s new leadership to strengthen the voice of our members and ensure that public safety employees have strong representation within our International Union.

Beyond Los Angeles: Local 685 Builds a National Public Safety Network

In This Edition:

• Curtis Chambers, President: We Are Not Alone: Reflections from the AFSCME Convention

• Maryam Munir, Acting Secretary: Not Facing It Alone: Lessons from the Public Safety Roundtable

• Marva Lindsey, Institutions Vice President: The Bigger Picture at the Bargaining Table

• Adedayo Adefarakan, Vice President – Group Supervisor Nights: Building Local 685’s National Presence: Lessons and Connections from Chicago

• Gregory Gonzalez, Camps Vice President: Local 685 Is Not Fighting Alone

• Anita Aslanian, DPO II: My First AFSCME Convention: Unity, Democracy, and Collective Power

• Thomas Bell, DPO I: Los Angeles Is Part of a National Public Safety Story

• William Brigges, DPO II/SEO: Bringing a Public Safety Voice to the AFSCME International Convention

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We Are Not Alone: Reflections from the AFSCME Convention

By Curtis Chambers, President, AFSCME Local 685

Brothers and Sisters,

I recently had the opportunity to represent Local 685 at the AFSCME Convention and to meet public-service union leaders and members from across the United States and Puerto Rico.

One message came through clearly in nearly every conversation: we are not alone.

Public-safety agencies across the country are confronting many of the same problems we face in Los Angeles County. They are struggling to recruit and retain qualified employees. Vacant positions are remaining unfilled. The workers who remain are being required to work mandatory overtime, often at great cost to their health, safety and families. In many places, union members also receive limited support from local elected officials – even while being expected to hold essential public services together.

Different agencies may use different titles and operate under different laws, but the underlying challenges are remarkably similar. We are all in the same boat.

That realization was both concerning and encouraging. It was concerning because the problems facing Local 685 are not isolated. Chronic vacancies, excessive workloads, and inadequate political support are affecting public employees throughout the country. But it was also encouraging because thousands of AFSCME members are confronting these challenges together.

Some of the most valuable moments at the convention happened through conversations with members from other states and Puerto Rico. We compared experiences, discussed what has and has not worked in our jurisdictions, and began forming relationships that can continue long after the convention.

Those relationships matter. When one local confronts a staffing crisis, an attack on civil-service protections or an attempt to shift public work outside the bargaining unit, it should not have to fight alone. We can learn from each other’s campaigns, bargaining strategies, training programs and organizing efforts. We can share information, attend one another’s meetings and show up when another local needs support.

Local 685 wants to be part of building that network.

We intend to stay in contact with the union leaders and members we met, explore opportunities for joint training, and continue exchanging ideas about recruitment, retention, mandatory overtime, political action, and member protection. We also want to create opportunities to meet again and strengthen the relationships that began at the convention.

Solidarity cannot be something we talk about only when there is a crisis. It must be built in advance through communication, trust, and a willingness to support one another. When public employees in another city, county, state, or territory are under attack, their fight affects all of us. When they win, their victory gives every AFSCME local a stronger example to follow.

The convention reminded me that Local 685 is part of something much larger. Our members may serve L.A. County, but our fight for safe staffing, fair treatment, professional standards, and accountable public services is shared by public employees across America.

We will keep forming relationships. We will keep learning from one another. And when the time comes, we will go there and support each other.

Every member of our Local 685 delegation experienced the convention from a different perspective. In the reflections that follow, delegates share what they learned about collective bargaining, union democracy, public-safety advocacy, national networking and the resources available through AFSCME. Together, their stories show how much we gained by participating – and how we can turn that experience into stronger representation, deeper member engagement and greater solidarity here at home.

In unity,

Curtis Chambers

President, AFSCME Local 685

Not Facing It Alone: Lessons from the Public Safety Roundtable

By Maryam Munir, Acting Secretary, AFSCME Local 685

The convention provided an invaluable opportunity for Local 685 members to network, exchange ideas, and build relationships with fellow AFSCME unions from across the country. One of the highlights of the convention was our participation in the AFSCME International Public Safety Roundtable, where representatives from various AFSCME locals shared their perspectives, challenges, and experiences within their respective jurisdictions.

The discussion was both informative and eye-opening. As Local 685 members shared our experiences, we quickly recognized that many public safety professionals throughout the country are confronting challenges similar to those we are experiencing here in California. These conversations provided valuable insight into how other AFSCME locals are addressing workplace concerns, public safety issues, staffing challenges, employee protections, and changes within their respective agencies.

We also received thoughtful and constructive feedback regarding several issues currently affecting Local 685 and our membership. Equally important was the opportunity to hear directly from other public safety professionals about the challenges they face in their own communities. Their experiences reinforced the importance of communication, collaboration, and solidarity among AFSCME public safety unions nationwide.

The roundtable reminded us that Local 685 is not facing these challenges alone. By strengthening relationships with other AFSCME locals and learning from their successes and setbacks, we can bring new ideas and strategies back to California and continue advocating more effectively for our members, our profession, and the communities we serve.

The Bigger Picture at the Bargaining Table

By Marva Lindsey, Institutions Vice President

Overall, it was inspiring and informative to hear members from other AFSCME locals discuss their experiences with contract negotiations. One group explained that while many of their members were satisfied with the final agreement, a smaller group was disappointed because some of the provisions they personally wanted were not included. Their experience was particularly relevant because we have encountered similar concerns among our own membership here in Los Angeles.

The discussion reinforced an important reality of collective bargaining: a contract must ultimately address the needs and priorities of the membership as a whole. While union leadership should listen carefully to every member’s concerns, it can be extremely difficult to negotiate an agreement that provides every individual with everything they personally want. Successful negotiations often require compromise, careful prioritization, and an understanding of what will provide the greatest overall benefit to the majority of the membership.

Hearing other locals openly discuss these challenges was valuable because it demonstrated that these concerns are not unique to our union. It also reminded us of the importance of communicating with members throughout the negotiation process so they understand both what was achieved and the difficult decisions that sometimes must be made at the bargaining table.

Building Local 685’s National Presence: Lessons and Connections from Chicago

By Adedayo Adefarakan, Vice President – Group Supervisor Nights, AFSCME Local 685

I wanted to take a moment to share a few thoughts about my recent trip to Chicago for the AFSCME International Convention.

Overall, the experience was both educational and entertaining. One of the highlights for me was the group of officers selected to attend. The people I traveled with really helped make the experience what it was. We learned a great deal about AFSCME as an organization and, more importantly, about the many tools, resources, and support systems available to us as union representatives and as a Local to better serve our membership.

Another major takeaway was the opportunity to meet and speak with members of other law enforcement Locals that have successfully worked to change legislation affecting their members. Those conversations were extremely valuable. These are key individuals and organizations for us to stay connected with and begin developing relationships with, because there is a lot we can learn from their experiences, strategies, successes, and even their challenges.

One area where I believe we have an opportunity to improve for future conventions is how we represent and promote Local 685. Networking and exchanging Local pins, shirts, swag, and other items is a surprisingly important part of connecting with members from across the country. Because we did not have any of those materials available to us, we found ourselves representing District Council 36 more visibly than Local 685 itself.

That experience showed me that we have an opportunity to do a much better job of establishing the identity and presence of Local 685 at future AFSCME events especially because being the biggest probation department at the convention.

I came home with new knowledge, new relationships, and several ideas about how we can utilize AFSCME’s resources to better serve our members. More importantly, I believe some of the relationships we began developing in Chicago could become valuable resources for Local 685 moving forward.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend, learn, and share the experience with a great group of fellow officers.

Local 685 Is Not Fighting Alone

By Gregory Gonzalez, Camps Vice President

The AFSCME International Convention in Chicago was an eye opening and humbling experience. I am grateful to have participated and observed the process.

Interacting with other AFSCME public safety units from all over the country revealed similar obstacles that AFSCME public safety units are facing.

I am most appreciative of the resources available to our Local 685 Union from AFSCME International and District Council 36. I look forward to engaging with Council 36 and AFSCME international to help Local 685 fight the existential crises facing our department.

I encourage all Local 685 members to be active. And keep an eye out for activity in the officer safety committee and public safety meetings.

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My First AFSCME Convention: Unity, Democracy and Collective Power

By DPO II Anita Aslanian

This was my first time participating in an AFSCME International Convention, and I was genuinely impressed by the experience. I gained a much greater understanding of how unions are structured and how effectively AFSCME operates on both the local and national levels. The convention was exceptionally well organized, highly informative, and conducted with an outstanding level of professionalism.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the convention was the strong sense of unity and solidarity among the participants. Within our own local delegation, we had an opportunity to learn more about one another, strengthen our working relationships, and develop a greater appreciation for the importance of teamwork. It was equally rewarding to meet our AFSCME brothers and sisters from across the country and hear about their experiences, challenges, and accomplishments. These conversations reminded me that although our individual locals may face different circumstances, we share many of the same goals and concerns.

We accomplished a great deal during the convention, but one of the most significant experiences for me was participating in the election of the new AFSCME International President. Witnessing firsthand how the election process was conducted gave me a deeper appreciation for the democratic principles that guide our union. I was impressed by the professionalism, organization, and seriousness with which the process was handled.

The experience also helped me better understand the responsibility that union members have in selecting the leaders who will represent their interests. It reinforced the importance of active participation and making sure that every member’s voice is heard.

I returned from the convention with a stronger understanding of AFSCME and a renewed appreciation for the power of collective action. Overall, the convention was not only educational but also an inspiring experience that strengthened my commitment to our union and its mission.

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 Los Angeles Is Part of a National Public Safety Story

By DPO I Thomas Bell

This was my second opportunity to attend an AFSCME International Convention, and my experience this time was noticeably different from my first. There was a greater focus on law enforcement and public safety, which provided officers from across the country with an opportunity to tell their stories and discuss the challenges they face in their respective workplaces.

During my first convention, I was primarily excited about the overall experience and interested in seeing everything that was happening. This time, however, I found myself listening more carefully to the experiences of other officers and comparing their challenges with what we are experiencing in Los Angeles. Some were facing struggles very similar to ours, while others were dealing with circumstances that appeared less difficult. At the same time, we heard from officers confronting situations that were even more challenging than our own.

These conversations gave me a broader perspective on the issues facing public safety employees across the country. They also demonstrated how valuable it is for union members to come together, exchange information, and learn from one another. Although our individual circumstances may differ, many of the concerns surrounding staffing, workplace safety, working conditions, compensation, and respect for the profession are shared across jurisdictions.

I returned from the convention with a greater appreciation for the importance of AFSCME members sharing their experiences and standing together. Hearing directly from other officers reminded me that many of the challenges we face in Los Angeles are part of a much larger national conversation about the future of public safety and the people who perform this difficult work.

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A Public Safety Perspective on AFSCME’s Advocacy Process

By DPO II/SEO William Brigges

I am grateful to the membership for nominating me and other members to attend the AFSCME International Conference in Chicago. Having the opportunity to participate firsthand in the conference, observe the process, and see different forms of advocacy and political dynamics, including resolutions proposed and passed at the international level, provided valuable perspective, especially with our officers coming from a public safety lens.

I believe it is important for members to have opportunities like this with labor so they can see the process for themselves, understand how decisions are made, and how AFSCME’s advocacy process takes place, and make informed decisions moving forward about the critical issues impacting our Local in Los Angeles County. Most importantly, ensuring that organizational interests align with law enforcement and that our Local is publicly supported by labor groups in order to best represent and defend our probation officers.

I am thankful and appreciate the opportunity to help advocate for our rank-and-file officers.