AFGE mourns loss of two of iconic Labor leaders

Emeriti officers Augusta Thomas, Ken Blaylock blazed path for union, worker rights

Washington – The American Federation of Government Employees is mourning the loss of two of the union’s beloved former national officers: Augusta Thomas, national vice president for women and fair practices emeritus, and Ken Blaylock, national president emeritus.

“Augusta Thomas was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed by all of her AFGE brothers and sisters. She was a tireless advocate for civil and human rights, and we will make sure that her legacy continues for generations,” AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. said.

“Ken Blaylock served as AFGE national president from 1976 to 1988, working to achieve passage of legislation ensuring collective bargaining rights for federal workers,” Cox said. “Ken was a visionary who laid the groundwork for building AFGE into the growing, diverse union we are today.”

A LIFETIME FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY AND UNION RIGHTS

Thomas, who died Oct. 10, served as AFGE National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices from 2009-2018 and was named an emeritus officer at the 41st National Convention in August.

Born in Kentucky during segregation, Thomas spent her life fighting for racial equality and union rights.

Thomas entered the federal government in 1966 as a nursing assistant at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Louisville, KY. She loved to tell people that she joined AFGE on her first day on the job. Thomas served more than 42 years in positions of local and regional union leadership prior to attaining national office.

In recognition of her work on civil, human, and workplace rights, AFGE’s Sixth District developed the Augusta Thomas Humanitarian Award, which is presented every three years to an AFGE member who comes closest to following Thomas’s example.

Thomas also was recognized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for her efforts to promote racial equality and economic development, declaring April 4 as Augusta Thomas Day.

“Augusta was AFGE’s most iconic leader – a champion who sacrificed everything to ensure future generations have a voice and a seat at the table,” said Jeremy Lannan, who in August was elected to succeed Thomas as national vice president for women and fair practices. “The best way to honor her legacy is to keep fighting for fairness and equality, as she did for her entire life.”

EXPANDING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, STANDING UP FOR
INTERNATIONAL UNION AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Blaylock, who also died Oct. 10, served as AFGE national president from 1976 to 1988. He built relationships with leaders in the Civil Rights Movement and was known for his brave, progressive stand for international union and human rights. One of his greatest achievements was passage of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, which expanded collective bargaining rights for government workers and created the Federal Labor Relations Authority.

In codifying these rights in law, rather than relying on presidential executive orders, AFGE protected federal employees when anti-union administrations sought to destroy their rights.

Blaylock believed in constant organizing, developing strong locals, and educating local officers to handle worksite problems. Known for his natural eloquence and success in raising AFGE’s union profile nationally and internationally, Blaylock emphasized grassroots political action. Under his leadership AFGE members were encouraged to get involved in the issues of the day – including people’s struggles in South Africa and Central America.

Today, AFGE is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.