News

AFSCME honors public safety professionals during National Law Enforcement Week

National Law Enforcement Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of America’s public safety professionals.

Millions of US workers wish they could join a union

U.S. labor unions and their popularity are on an upswing.  Some great findings have come out from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).  

A look into some of the numbers below.

It’s Up to Us: Labor Carrying the King Legacy Forward

The following is adapted from remarks delivered by President Saunders at the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor’s Martin Luther King Day Breakfast on January 14, 2023.

Union family, it’s a great honor to spend this special day with you, as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as we reflect on his sacrifice and recommit to his work.

Pin Design contest

AFSCME is looking for submissions for the 2023 convention pin. 

Below is a message from Steven Tully, Executive Director of Council 63:

Good Morning Sisters and Brothers,

AFSCME New Jersey Council 63 is pleased to announce that we will be holding a contest to design the pin for our 2023 convention. The winning entry will be used as the design for our 2023 convention pin. This contest is open to all members and more details about the contest will be sent out shortly.

Know your Contract

The most important part of your union (besides solidarity) is your contract. 

You can read and familiarize yourself with our contract here (or click below): 

AFSCME supports bill that would further expand and improve loan forgiveness program

Thanks to efforts by the Biden administration and AFSCME, many public service workers, including AFSCME members, have seen their student loans forgiven under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

AFSCME supports legislative proposal to study mental health in the workplace

Many AFSCME members work in high-stress fields such as public safety, health care, emergency medical services and firefighting. Their jobs have become even more stressful since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many of these workers to put their and their families’ well-being at risk while serving their communities.

But when these everyday heroes face mental health issues as a result of the high-stress environment and duties that expose them to trauma, they are often expected to deal with such challenges on their own.

It’s time to change that.

AFSCME members from across the country are sharing their stories of progress over the last two years.

The last two years have been full of challenges.

But under the leadership of the Biden administration and this Congress, we are turning a corner. There have been unprecedented investments in public services and public service jobs. Millions will see the price of life-saving prescription drugs come down. Millions more will receive relief from unfair student debt. And the wealthy are finally starting to pay their fair share.

To be sure, there is more work to be done. But if we continue this progress, we will have many more reasons to be optimistic about the future.

Philadelphia Museum of Art workers begin strike over unfair labor practices for better wages, benefits

Faced with the management’s refusal to remedy unfair labor practices and address workers’ major priorities during contract negotiations, AFSCME Local 397 (District Council 47) – the Philadelphia Museum of Art Union (PMAU) – began a museum-wide strike Monday.