News

Biden forgives student loans for an additional 78,000 public service workers

AFSCME President Lee Saunders praised the White House’s announcement Thursday that the Biden administration will forgive student loans for an additional 78,000 borrowers — including many AFSCME mem

10 pro-worker highlights from Biden’s State of the Union address

The most pro-worker president in our lifetimes delivered the most pro-worker State of the Union address in recent memory.

Here are just a few highlights from President Joe Biden’s Tuesday night speech:

1. On the remarkable job growth of the last two years: 12 million new jobs are more than any previous president has created in four years in office. “Jobs are coming back, pride is coming back, because choices we made in the last several years,” Biden said.

30 years of the Family and Medical Leave Act: much to celebrate, much more to do

In January 1993, Joann Mapp shared a powerful message on a conference call with newly elected President Bill Clinton. Mapp, a keypunch operator at the Philadelphia City Police Department and a member of AFSCME Local 1637 (District Council 33), was a single mother to 5-year-old twins.

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.