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Happy International Workers Day!

In 1886, the organziation that would become the American Federation of Labor (AFL), set out to help workers across the United States to gain better working conditions.

I Am Story podcast now available

1968. Memphis, Tennessee. The heart of the racially segregated South. Black sanitation workers faced poverty wages and degrading, dangerous conditions on the job.

International Women's Day 2023

March 8, 2023 is international women's day! We want to thank all the women who make AFSCME Council 81 Happen.

Happy International Workers Day!

In 1886, the organziation that would become the American Federation of Labor (AFL), set out to help workers across the United States to gain better working conditions. They set May 1 as the date for a nationwide strike. Workers across the country, including in cities like Chicago, IL, would go on strike for an 8-hour work day. It wasn't uncommon in 1886 to work more than 16 hours in a day. The May 1 strike worked, and workers across the country would strike for days. Unfortunately that strike would turn deadly and years later workers would call for May 1 to be remembered as Labour Day. 

I Am Story podcast now available

1968. Memphis, Tennessee. The heart of the racially segregated South. Black sanitation workers faced poverty wages and degrading, dangerous conditions on the job. The city refused to see the men or hear their grievances.

But after two sanitation workers were crushed to death on the job, 1,300 of their AFSCME Local 1733 brothers said enough is enough, risking everything by going on strike.

They marched in the streets demanding dignity and respect. They wanted recognition of their union…and recognition of their humanity.

The Delaware Difference: April 2023

PDF icon THE DELAWARE DIFFERENCE: April 2023

International Women's Day 2023

March 8, 2023 is international women's day! We want to thank all the women who make AFSCME Council 81 Happen. From our front office staff, to our staff representatives our board members, presidents and officers of our locals and most importantly to our rank and file members who continue to work on the front lines every day. AFSCME continues to support more women in the workforce than any other public sector union and we're proud of the work you do and continue to fight for you.

Drive-Thru COVID Test Kit Event

In solidarity with Delaware CBTU Chapter, the Delaware AFL-CIO, UFCW Local 27, and LiUNA Local 199; AFSCME Council 81 is participating in a COVID-19 Test Kit distribution event. This event is a drive-thru event and will take place on Saturday, February 5, from 9am-12p or until all test kits have been given out. Please see the flyer below for more information. 

Council 81 elects leadership

Wilmington, DE-- On Thursday, September 9, AFSCME Council 81, elected their leadership. After postponing their bienniel convention due to COVID, Locals from across Delaware gathered at Banning Park in Wilmington, Del. to elect the leadership of AFSCME Council 81. In keeping with both CDC guidelines and Governor Carney and Delaware Public Health guidlines, the convention was held outside on Thursday and Friday September 9 and 10. 

The following people were elected to a three-year term, to expire in the fall of 2024: 

Council 81 Statement on COVID19

Sisters and Brothers: 

AFSCME Council 81 has stood with our front line workers every day during this global pandemic. That is why we have encouraged our members to get vaccinated as soon as they were eligible. We have worked with employers to provide vaccines to front line workers onsite and worked to ensure that employers protected workers throughout one of the toughest years to date. 

Local 3911 Recognized

On April 16, 2021, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer recognized the men and women of Local 3911 who work as 9-1-1 operators as first responders. This was in large part to Local 3911 President Saul Polish advocating for his members and the incredible work they do on a daily basis. 

This designation, as a first responder, is important and a designation that Local 3911 has been fighting for at both the local and national level for several years. On behalf of Local 3911, Council 81 would like to thank County Executive Matt Meyer for this recognition.