Lee Saunders
Public service workers are teaching us a lesson
There is no sector of the workforce more resilient than those who work in public service.
From the Leadership
Press Releases
AFSCME’s Saunders: Gov. Spanberger has broken the promise she made to Virginia
Spanberger vetoes collective bargaining legislation that would have given half a million public service workers a strong voice to fight for fair pay, safe working conditions and better public services for all Virginians.
AFSCME's Saunders on National Law Enforcement Week: We honor their sacrifice — and we'll keep fighting for everything they deserve
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in recognition of National Law Enforcement Week, May 10 to 16, 2026:
"This week, we honor the brave AFSCME members serving in law enforcement who risk their lives ever...
AFSCME’S Saunders: ‘On National Nurses Week, let’s honor nurses with more than just recognition.’
AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in recognition of National Nurses Week, observed May 6-12:
AFSCME's Saunders on Corrections Week: We stand with every correctional officer and employee who work tirelessly to protect their communities
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in recognition of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, May 3–9, 2026:
“Correctional officers and employees are some of the bravest, mos...
AFSCME’s Saunders: We will keep fighting to protect our democracy and ensure a better future for working families
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais:
“For decades, the Voting Rights Act has protected the freedom to vote and ensured ...
AFSCME’s Saunders: On Workers Memorial Day we honor those we lost by fighting for stronger workplace safety
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in recognition of Workers Memorial Day, Tuesday, April 28:
“On Workers Memorial Day, we mourn the loss of all those who have died, been seriously injured ...
AFSCME’s Saunders: It’s time to sign this collective bargaining bill and give Virginia’s public service workers a voice on the job
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Virginia General Assembly rejecting the substitute bill submitted by Gov. Abigail Spanberger gutting Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263:
“The...