AFSCME Local 1733

AFSCME Local 1733 is a local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), representing public sector employees in Memphis, Tennessee, and Shelby County, Tennessee. The local is part of the AFSCME Tennessee council, which also includes AFSCME Local 1737 and other local chapters. As a member of the AFL-CIO, AFSCME Local 1733 works closely with other labor unions, such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). The local's activities are also influenced by national labor leaders, including Richard Trumka and Liz Shuler.

● History

AFSCME Local 1733 was established in the 1960s, during a period of significant labor activism in the United States, marked by events such as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Watts riots. The local's early years were shaped by the leadership of Jerry Wurf, who served as the national president of AFSCME from 1964 to 1981. During this time, the local worked closely with other labor unions, including the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the National Education Association (NEA), to advocate for workers' rights and improve working conditions. The local's history is also closely tied to the Civil Rights Movement, with many of its members participating in events such as the Memphis sanitation strike and the Poor People's Campaign.

● Structure and Governance

AFSCME Local 1733 is governed by a executive board, which includes officers such as the president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer. The local is also part of the AFSCME Council 93, which represents AFSCME members in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The local's structure is influenced by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which regulate labor relations and working conditions in the United States. The local works closely with other labor organizations, including the National AFL-CIO and the Change to Win Federation, to advocate for workers' rights and improve working conditions.

● Membership and Representation

AFSCME Local 1733 represents a diverse group of public sector employees, including sanitation workers, nurses, and administrative assistants. The local's membership includes employees from various government agencies, such as the City of Memphis, Shelby County Government, and the Memphis City Schools. The local works to represent the interests of its members, advocating for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The local's membership is also influenced by national labor trends, including the growth of the gig economy and the increasing use of temporary workers.

● Collective Bargaining and Contracts

AFSCME Local 1733 engages in collective bargaining with government agencies to negotiate contracts that benefit its members. The local's collective bargaining efforts are influenced by national labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The local works closely with other labor unions, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), to negotiate contracts and advocate for workers' rights. The local's contracts often include provisions related to wages, benefits, and working conditions, and are influenced by national labor trends, including the growth of healthcare and education.

● Community Involvement and Activism

AFSCME Local 1733 is involved in various community activities and advocacy efforts, including voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote campaigns. The local works closely with other community organizations, such as the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), to advocate for social justice and workers' rights. The local's community involvement is also influenced by national labor trends, including the growth of the labor movement and the increasing use of social media to mobilize workers. The local's members have participated in events such as the March for Our Lives and the Women's March, and have worked to support local non-profit organizations, including the Memphis Food Bank and the United Way of the Mid-South.

● Notable Events and Controversies

AFSCME Local 1733 has been involved in several notable events and controversies over the years, including the Memphis sanitation strike and the Battle of Memphis. The local's members have also participated in national labor events, such as the AFL-CIO Convention and the Labor Day parade. The local has worked to support national labor campaigns, including the Fight for $15 and the Save Our Unions campaign. The local's activities have been influenced by national labor leaders, including Richard Trumka and Liz Shuler, and have been shaped by national labor trends, including the growth of the gig economy and the increasing use of temporary workers. The local has also worked to address local issues, including poverty and inequality, and has partnered with local organizations, including the Memphis Urban League and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Category:Labor unions in the United States