News

As worker activism continues to rise, Congress must not delay approval of the PRO Act

AFSCME wholeheartedly supports the newly reintroduced Richard Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which would make it easier for workers in the private sector to form stron

‘Our Work is Essential to Keep Kids Safe’

Editor’s note: The following is a story from the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, as told by a member in Washington state:

“My name is Kristina Johnson-Short and I am a social services specialist with the Division of Children, Youth and Families in Washington state. I’m a proud AFSCME member, a shop steward and president of AFSCME Local 1054 (WFSE). I am also a domestic violence survivor.

AFSCME Urgently Demands More Aid from Congress for States, Localities

It’s become clear that relief bills Congress has approved thus far, including the record $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, won’t be enough to quell the health and economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What other aid should Congress provide? AFSCME has recommendations.

AFSCME NJ Members Can Now Get Tested for COVID-19

GET TESTED

If you need a COVID-19 test, you have several options:

If you are an AFSCME New Jersey Member and you are engaged in First Responder work for the virus, you are eligible for First Responder testing. (example: our 24/7 healthcare workers, Child Protective Services workers, on the job Dept. of Health responders, EMTs, public-facing emergency social services.)

Bayou State Blues: Members Slammed While Processing Record Unemployment Claims

AFSCME members working for the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) are hopping busy these days fulfilling a critical mission. They are helping Louisianans survive as the Bayou State’s economy buckles under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic.

Their Lives Are On The Line. Yet, ‘Public Service Workers Still Answer the Call’

Updating wills before heading into work. Extending the lives of single-use masks. Self-isolating from their own families. These are just some of the shameful realities and conditions health care workers on the front lines of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic are facing each day.

COVID-19 Update: Positive Cases Confirmed

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We were notified recently of a positive diagnosis for COVID-19 for two people who attended the rally at SERV in Ewing on March 11, 2020. One is an AFSCME member and the other is an elected public official. Neither of these individuals were displaying any symptoms at the time of the rally on March 11. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are notifying all members who attended this rally, and those who could have come in contact with someone from the rally. We will continue to actively monitor the situation and advise you of any new developments.

Corrections, EMS Workers Stress Need for Resources in COVID-19 Fight

Before the announcement early Wednesday of an unprecedented $2 trillion deal to combat the coronavirus pandemic, AFSCME President Lee Saunders and three front-line workers put pressure on federal lawmakers to come through with a robust aid package for state and local governments so they can rebuild decimated public services.

Coronavirus Aid Package Falls Short. Workers Need More from Congress.

The coronavirus aid package that cleared Congress is just not good enough for public service workers. That’s the takeaway message from AFSCME President Lee Saunders.