News

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 Counc

AFSCME partners to host webinars on public service loan forgiveness

AFSCME is committed to helping you get the student debt relief you deserve.

During National EMS Week, Thank First Responders with More Than Words

As New York City became the epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic, emergency medical services (EMS) professionals, including AFSCME member Laura Hartnett, were working 16-hour shifts instead of their normal eight-hour shifts to respond to the flood of emergency calls.

Across the country in California, AFSCME member Blake

Honoring AFSCME Public Safety Members During Law Enforcement Week

During Law Enforcement Week, we honor public safety officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We also recognize the unique role that first responders like AFSCME law enforcement members play during times of crisis.

This Workers Memorial Day, We Honor Those Who Died at Work, Including From COVID-19

Roxie Nelson remembers her father, Ed Nelson, as a caring and passionate man who often put the needs of others before his own.

“When I was around him his phone was always busy, and he would take calls from people all the time,” she recalls. “He was always working to help somebody, whether it was at the union or friends or family. He would take care of people whenever they needed help.”

‘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.

Virginia Authorizes Historic First Step for Collective Bargaining Rights

In a victory for public service workers in Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam has signed a bill authorizing collective bargaining for some public employees across the commonwealth.

‘We’re Doing Our Best, But It Feels Like We’re Using Chicken Wire and Zip Ties’

HONOLULU – “Two months ago, placing a child in a foster home wasn’t a problem. Now it’s nearly impossible,” says Hawaii Child/Adult Protective Services Specialist Kalani Motta, a member of HGEA/AFSCME Local 152.

Virginia Collective Bargaining Bill Aims to Give Essential Workers a Voice

In early March, Virginia lawmakers passed a bill expanding collective bargaining to public sector employees, signaling a huge win for the rights of public service employees in the South. Gov. Ralph Northam has until April 11 to sign the bill into law or it will expire, ending the chances for Virginia public service workers to have collective bargaining rights this session.

But he hasn’t – yet.