Lee Saunders: Labor, Leadership and Legacy

AFSCME
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Personal Journals
  • Series

"Lee Saunders: Labor, Leadership and Legacy" is a series of candid conversations with AFSCME President Emeritus Lee Saunders about the experiences, people and defining moments that shaped his remarkable career. Saunders chronicles his nearly 50-year career charting an audacious path forward for AFSCME, as he became a powerful voice in national politics and left an indelible mark not only on AFSCME members' lives but the entire labor movement.

  1. Episode 1

    The Quick Study

    A young Lee Saunders leaves Ohio, moves to Washington, DC, and gets his first job with AFSCME under legendary labor leader Jerry Wurf. The union is expanding and Lee gains broad experience in community building and helping affiliates fight for rights.

    The Quick Study

  2. Episode 2

    The Master Negotiator

    Lee Saunders hones his negotiating skills, helping deliver major union wins, including Ohio's first collective bargaining agreement. AFSCME President Jerry McEntee sends him to New York City on a challenging mission – to oversee the turnaround of AFSCME's largest affiliate, DC 37.

    The Master Negotiator

  3. Episode 3

    At Ground Zero

    Lee Saunders has DC 37 almost back on its feet when the 9/11 terrorist attack hits New York – just a block from union headquarters. He must shepherd the union through the difficult months of recovery and cleanup.

    At Ground Zero

  4. Episode 4

    The Bridge Builder

    Lee Saunders is elected president of AFSCME and builds alliances with other major unions, including AFT and SEIU, to create a cohesive labor front. He builds bridges with unlikely leaders like JPMorganChase CEO Jamie Dimon, while the election of Donald Trump creates new challenges.

    The Bridge Builder

  5. Episode 5

    The Fighter

    The Janus Supreme Court decision creates an existential threat for AFSCME. In response, President Saunders leads the AFSCME Strong initiative, building membership loyalty through one-on-one conversations. The union has collective bargaining wins in a number of states.

    The Fighter
See All (5)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"Lee Saunders: Labor, Leadership and Legacy" is a series of candid conversations with AFSCME President Emeritus Lee Saunders about the experiences, people and defining moments that shaped his remarkable career. Saunders chronicles his nearly 50-year career charting an audacious path forward for AFSCME, as he became a powerful voice in national politics and left an indelible mark not only on AFSCME members' lives but the entire labor movement.

Information