News

Federal funding to help vulnerable Americans in danger of getting cut

Federal money for programs and services that help millions of vulnerable Americans and employ many AFSCME members could be in jeopardy next year.

AFSCME Florida Statement on New Organizing Victory in Osceola County

The AFSCME Florida family grew yesterday after a unit of the medical staff with the Osceola County Corrections Department vote unanimously, seven to zero, in favor of securing their union voice and

Lawmakers seek congressional support for paraprofessionals and other school staff

Connecticut Rep. Jahana Hayes recently introduced a resolution calling on Congress to affirm its support for providing living wages, good benefits and fair working conditions to paraeducators, classroom assistants, bus drivers, custodial workers and others who are vital to our public education system.

AFSCME’s ‘I AM Story’ podcast nominated for NAACP Image Award

AFSCME’s “I AM Story” podcast has received a nomination for an NAACP Image Award in the “Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form” category.

Union membership numbers show momentum remains strong despite staffing shortages

Despite the growing wave of worker organizing across the country, the union membership rate last year ticked down slightly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today, underscoring the importance of initiatives like AFSCME’s Staff the Front Lines to fill job vacancies in the public sector.

As a government shutdown looms, AFSCME members voice alarm and frustration

For John Campion, a monitoring officer with AmeriCorps, the potential for a federal government shutdown beginning this month brings fear, insecurity and frustration.

Elmore Nickleberry, Memphis sanitation worker who went on strike in 1968, dies at 92

Elmore Nickleberry, Memphis sanitation worker who went on strike in 1968, dies at 92

Never Quit winner is Miami waste collector who ‘takes the extra time’ to serve residents

Never Quit: Robert Dyer

As a waste collector for the city of Miami, Robert Dyer is hardly ever in the spotlight, but that’s OK with him.

Like many public service workers and AFSCME members across the nation, Dyer isn’t in it for the fame, or even the money. He’s committed to serving his community the best way he can.

“This job is more than a paycheck,” he says. “This job is helping the community out. I take it personally. I enjoy my job, I enjoy coming to work.”

Those around him have taken notice.

Retired from the job, but not from activism

As the year comes to a close, I am celebrating the incredible surge of worker activism in 2023. Current and future members of AFSCME and many other unions were in the streets, on the picket lines, and at the bargaining table demanding fairness and respect. I want to also take a moment to recognize and celebrate some of the most inspiring activists in our AFSCME family: AFSCME retirees.

Latest jobs report shows public services are ‘on the way toward a full recovery’

AFSCME President Lee Saunders applauded the latest federal jobs report, which showed the U.S. economy gaining 199,000 jobs in November.