About Us

AFSCME Local 1739

We support independence and keep individuals from falling by the wayside. Our members make sure no one is overlooked because we are looking out for them. We provide the basic services that individuals and families within a community need to thrive.

We provide direct services to people with intellectual disabilities such as autism. Our members help adults and youth learn to live independently. We also represent early education teachers and vocational counselors who provide career paths to more economically secure lives. Members help families avoid eviction and maintain clean and healthy environments in multi-family dwellings.

We make Philadelphia’s social safety net stronger. Supporting and advocating for workers who provide essential services to our community.

Economic Justice Is Critical To Quality Of Life

According to a University of Minnesota/University of California-Riverside study there is a strong connection between poverty and unionization in America for the past 40 years. “We found that households in which there was at least one union member had an average poverty rate of 5.9%, compared with 18.9% for nonunion households.” From Business Insider. 2021. Other evidence to support this theory: Nations with high unionization levels have lower poverty. They cite France and Norway as nations that have higher unionization rates and single-digit poverty. “Our study also helps explain why the United States has a relatively high rate of poverty – 18% as of 2017 – compared with other rich democracies.”

Union members have the collective power to have their voices heard and more control over their work, lives and futures.

Our Values

Discover The 1739 Advantage

From credit cards, car insurance, to healthcare, members can find something here to meet your everyday needs.

Educate

A high quality public education builds skills and knowledge and helps children reach their greatest potential.

Community

A union is you and your co-workers coming together as a team to make improvements at your workplace.

Our Commitment

We fight for income equality. The labor movement increases economic mobility for all.

Advocacy

The gains working people make at the bargaining table are strengthened by good laws that protect against exploitation.

Safety Net

More likely to have employer-provided pensions and health insurance and safe working conditions.

We Work For You

We advocate for the public servants who will best serve the interests of working people at all levels of government.

Members know that by speaking up together, you can accomplish more than you could on your own.

It Takes A Team

We're In This Together.

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Meet Your Representatives