Welcome members, families and guests

AFSCME Local 1739 Makes Communities Stronger.

Connecting, supporting, teaching, providing the essential services for life’s journey.

About Us

We address the basic needs that keep families together and keep individuals from falling by the wayside

Local 1739 is an indispensable part of Philadelphia’s social safety net. Our members make sure no one is overlooked because we are looking out for them.  We provide the essential services that a community needs to function.

About Us

Our members make sure no one is overlooked because we are looking out for them.

Resources

Having a voice on the job means better pay, better health care, a more secure retirement, and much, much more.

News

The leadership of AFSCME Local 1739 issued its annual notice of the rights guaranteed to employees.

Resources

The AFSCME Advantage The Perks of Union Membership

Education

AFSCME is here to help you to get ahead. That’s why we offer several scholarships and other benefits to help defray the cost of education.

Insurance

AFSCME Advantage offers union members and their families a wide range of insurance products to meet their needs

Money & Credit

AFSCME Advantage offers union members and their families a wide array of financial products to meet their everyday needs.

Auto Insurance Icon for local 1739

Auto Insurance

Union members can apply for auto insurance to suit their needs and budget.

Healthcare Icon for local 1739

Healthcare

Discover the 1739 benefit advantage. Union Plus offers many ways to access the services your family needs.

Legal

Union families get access to thousands of law offices nationwide, and free consultations.

What Local 1739 Does

We Advocate For Economic Justice

Unions advocate for working people to keep us safer, healthier and able to enjoy a higher quality of life.

News & Taking Action

Latest News

Good Information For Better Decision Making.

National News Here

Keep up with AFSCME positions, activities and actions on your behalf here in Philadelphia and
around the country.

Register To Vote

The latest information on where and how to register to vote is in the News section, Take a look!

Education Can Make The Difference

With technological advancement and investments in infrastructure and healthcare, the demand for skilled trades jobs has increased in the United States.

Podcasts, and Updates,

Latest Union News Out of Los Angeles – The AFSCME International Convention. We Were There.

We are employees of Philadelphia’s Community and Social Service Agencies.

1739 Members Shine

Member Spotlight

On the frontlines, making sure no one falls by the wayside

Frank Sprock

Lead Building Maintenance Instructor Orleans Technical College

“Anything you build you have to start out correctly. In order to do that you have to think first. What kind of plan do you have? 

Ceasar Chavez Union Heros
Cesar Chavez

Founded the United Farm Workers of America

Cesar Chavez, one of the country’s most renowned labor advocates, rose from being a fruit and vegetable picker to found and lead the United Farm Workers of America. Combining the teachings of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr

Adria Sumter, in the classroom at Orleans Tech College, Philadelphia, PA
Adria Sumter

Lead Medical Assistant Instructor at Orleans Technical College

After teaching for 16 years, she knows the value of a good education. Professionalism is key as Adria prepares students for a career many never imagined for themselves. There’s much more to learn.

A. Philip Randolph

founded the Negro American Labor Council (NALC)

“Freedom is never granted: It is won. Justice is never given: It is exacted. Freedom and justice must be struggled for by the oppressed of all lands and races.”

– A. Phillip Randolph

Kiani Lindsey

Academic Facilitator for JEVS Human Services Project WOW, Orleans Technical College

WOW helps young people who have dropped out of high school get back on track. After 22 weeks in the program, a student can earn a high school diploma and earn a diploma in property maintenance and repair. And it’s all free.

Bayard Rustin
Bayard Rustin

Member of the Executive Council, AFL-CIO

As a member of the executive council of the AFL-CIO and a founder of the AFL-CIO’s A. Philip Randolph Institute, Rustin fought against racism and discrimination in the labor movement. His leadership in these organizations focused on building diverse coalitions for the benefit of all humankind.

The NewsLetter | PodCasts

The New 1739 September Podcast

1739 Logo For Podcast
Play Video about 1739 Logo For Podcast

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Local 1739 is an indispensable part of Philadelphia’s social safety net. We address the basic needs that keep families together.

 Direct Service Professionals are essential workers who provide critical supports and services to people with intellectual disabilities, who have limits on cognitive function and skills including language, social and practical, self-care life skills.  These developmental disabilities include  Down syndrome and autism.  DSPs are personal caregivers who help clients with a range of needs including emotional support,  transportation, food access, medication administration and job coaching.  

Historically, we have represented professionals who work in Philadelphia’s non-profit, social service agencies.  Direct Service have been the heart of our membership.  Today, we represent Direct Service Professionals, Early Education teachers, Maintenance service workers, Instructors, 

Talk to co-workers to find out what the problems are and see if the union is right for your setting. Contact Phil Johnson, union representative at: 

Contact your steward right away or contact Union Reps Phil Johnson or Rob Wallington.   Everyone should know their Weigarten rights which describe your rights to union representation.   If your supervisor calls you for a meeting which could be disciplinary in nature, you have a right to union representation. 

We are part of the social media network that works to distribute information about expungement clinics, new homebuyer opportunities, apprenticeship programs and many other free resources that highlight new opportunities or help resolve recurring problems experienced by members of our communities.  We work with timely information from public officials, non-profits and other community based organizations. Look for updates on these and other topics and activities on our Facebook page, @AFSCMElocal1739

Whether you are new to the work world, looking to advance your skills, or desire to try something new and exciting, Orleans Technical College is committed to helping you meet your personal and career objectives.