In a video message that AFSCME delegates watched Wednesday at our union’s 46th International Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris praised AFSCME members for their leadership in their communities and vowed that if we fight together, we will win in November.

“Over the past several years, there’s been this perverse thing happening, which is that some folks would suggest the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down,” Harris said. “Instead of what we know, which is that the true measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up. And for more than 90 years, the members of AFSCME have helped to lift up the people of our nation.”

Organizing for fair pay, better benefits and safer working conditions are just some of the ways AFSCME members have improved not only their workplaces but working conditions, wages and benefits for all working Americans. 

The current moment, however, forces us to make an important choice, Harris said, between two different visions for our country.

“One focused on the future, the other focused on the past,” she said. “We fight for….

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addresses AFSCME’s 46th International Convention

Dear Members,

It is with deep sadness that we announce that a fellow San Jose employee and MEF member, Community Service Officer Long Pham, was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, August 3rd. Officer Pham's dedication to serving and protecting our community was unwavering, and his loss is felt deeply across our entire city.

We also want to acknowledge CSO Veronica Baer, who was with CSO Pham at the time and was severely injured in the same incident. Thankfully, she has been released from the hospital and is now recuperating at home with her loved ones. Our thoughts are with her for a full and speedy recovery.

In these difficult times, we come together not only to mourn but also to support one another. MEF-AFSCME Local 101, in collaboration with the San Jose Police Officers Association and the San Jose Police Foundation, has established a fund to provide financial assistance to Officer Pham's family. The union is kindly asking we all come together and help with any support you can provide during this trying period. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference to Officer Pham's loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss.

To donate, please follow this link. Your generosity and solidarity in this time of need exemplify the strength and compassion of our union family.

Public sector work is rooted in selflessness and a profound commitment to the greater good. Officer Pham embodied these values every day, serving with dignity and honor. Our collective efforts as public sector workers are vital to the well-being and safety of our community. We honor Officer Pham's memory by continuing to uphold these principles and supporting each other in times of need.

Thank you for your support and for standing together as a community.

In solidarity,

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What’s the Benefit?

Each calendar year, employees represented by MEF are eligible to purchase one (1) annual fitness membership or up to twelve (12) monthly fitness memberships at a 20% discount off the advertised resident fee. This membership gives you access to fitness rooms at various Community Center locations and a variety of drop-in programs in gymnasiums.

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement announcing AFSCME’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president:

“In a unanimous vote at a meeting this afternoon, AFSCME’s International Executive Board endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president of the United States.

“Vice President Harris is seasoned, tough and tenacious. She is a dynamic leader who has been a pro-worker champion throughout her years in elected office. She understands that unions and the working class are the engines of our economy. And she has a deep respect and appreciation for the work AFSCME members do to strengthen our communities.

“She has an extraordinary record of accomplishment over the last three and a half years. From the American Rescue Plan, which brought the economy back from the brink, to student debt forgiveness, to reining in health care costs and so much more, she has fought for us time and time and time again. As the chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, she developed key policy recommendations to give working people a stronger voice and a more prominent seat at the table.

“Vice President Harris is exactly the right person to meet the moment. She will…