Unification with Council 66

UPDATE - WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12, 2025

Dear AFSCME members,

We are proud to announce that a majority of members voted YES to unify AFSCME Council 35 with AFSCME Council 66. This is a historic moment for public service workers in the City of Buffalo. Together, we’re joining forces with thousands of AFSCME members across New York State to build a stronger, more effective union for everyone.

After counting all the ballots, a majority of members voted YES on the proposal to unify with Council 66. Here are the total number of votes cast:

  • YES: 463
  • NO: 166

Your vote shows that members are ready for change and ready to build the kind of union that can win real improvements at the bargaining table and in our workplaces. Under the unification plan, our local unions will continue to operate with full autonomy: you’ll continue to elect your local officers, your current contracts remain in effect, and there will be no increase in dues as a result of this change.

What will change is the level of support and power behind us. As part of Council 66, we will have access to professional staff, including a full-time Labor Relations Specialist dedicated to Buffalo, plus legal, political, and communications support that will strengthen our ability to win for members. Together, we will have a stronger voice not only here in Buffalo, but across New York State and in Washington, D.C.

The next step in the process will be a constitutional convention called by Council 66 on December 6, where our representation on the Council’s Executive Board will be formalized. Local leaders will share more details and next steps in the coming weeks.

Thank you to every member who participated in this vote and to everyone who took time to ask questions, share your views, and engage in this process. Today, we are turning the page and starting a new chapter defined by unity, strength and opportunity for all AFSCME members in Buffalo.
 

In Solidarity,

Bill Orr, Jr., President of AFSCME Local 264
Tracy Healy, President of AFSCME Local 650
Keith Ogden, President of AFSCME Local 2651

As proud AFSCME members, we know we’re stronger together. Now, members of Locals 264, 650 and 2651 can build our union power in Buffalo by unifying with AFSCME Council 66! A YES vote for unification means our local unions will gain the support of professional staff, communications programs, union trainings, political connections at all levels, and the strength of 8,400 Council 66 members across Upstate New York.

The elected leaders of our local unions support unifying with Council 66, and we strongly encourage every member to vote YES.

Please review these documents for more information about this proposal and what it means for you:

Do you support this proposal? Do you still have lingering questions? Please contact either your local union president; Ryan Welles, AFSCME New York Area Field Services Director, rwelles@afscme.org, 218-591-8350; or Malick Ndione, AFSCME Organizer, mndione@afscme.org, 410-900-7869.

Local Presidents Keith Ogden, Billy Orr and Tracy Healy with their signed commitment cards.
Left to right: Local Presidents Keith Ogden, Billy Orr and Tracy Healy with their signed unification commitment cards.