Representing ASEA Local 52 at the AFSCME Convention
I am honored to have been one of the 10 delegates representing ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 at the AFSCME 47th International Convention in Chicago, August 17-21, 2026. Alongside my fellow delegates—Braxton Bundick, Deadra Browne, Douglas Grzybowski, Mary Grzybowski, Jodi Andres, Billy Stapleton, Scott McAdams, Jennifer Silva, and Walter “Wally” Rud—we had the privilege of joining more than 5,000 AFSCME members from across the country, representing 1.4 million AFSCME members nationwide.
Over the course of five days, more than 90 resolutions were considered and completed by the convention body. I am especially proud that our Child Care Resolution was passed. This is an important step in advocating for working families and ensuring that child care remains a priority for our members and our communities.
Our brother, Billy Stapleton, also had the opportunity to speak from the convention stage about the importance of solidarity. Billy did a fantastic job delivering the message and reminding us that when we stand together, we have the strength to make a difference.
During the convention, we said goodbye and expressed our appreciation to outgoing AFSCME President Lee Saunders, who is retiring after 14 years of dedicated service as president, as well as Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride for her many years of service and commitment to AFSCME.
We also welcomed our newly elected leadership, President Patrick Moran and Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Pollard. I look forward to seeing the direction they will take AFSCME as we continue the fight for working families, strong unions, and good jobs.
We were also fortunate to have ASEA staff members Heidi Drygas, Executive Director; MaryAnn Ganacias, Assistant Executive Director; and Bev Gagaring, Organizer, with us. They worked diligently behind the scenes throughout the convention to help resolve any issues that arose and ensure our delegation was supported.
We were also pleased to have Regina James, a new ASEA member from AMEA, attend the convention to learn more about our organization, our union, and how AFSCME works on a national level.
One of the greatest parts of attending a convention like this is the opportunity to build new friendships and relationships while renewing old ones. We share a common purpose: to stand together, protect working families, strengthen our union, and build a better future for our members.
I am proud to have represented ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 in Chicago and grateful for the opportunity to stand in solidarity with thousands of AFSCME members from across the nation.
Solidarity forever!
Charles “Chuck” Stewart, President
ASEA/AFSCME LOCAL 52