Established in 1936, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, widely known as AFSCME, is a union made up of a diverse group of people who share a common commitment to public service. AFSCME has more than 1 million members and over 3,400 local unions and affiliates throughout the United States. Its members are nurses, correction officers, child care providers, emergency medical technicians and sanitation workers. AFSCME s administrative structure includes nearly 60 councils that negotiate contracts, handle grievances, arbitrate, educate, provide public relations and work on legislative and political actions. It is a member of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. AFSCME maintains one of its locations in Lansing, Mich.