News

We Are Going Union!

A Super Majority of Workers from Dignity Health in Merced, California voted to form their union with AFSCME Council 57, Local 2703 today! 

Report: Cultural institutions took federal money but still let go of workers

Some of the nation’s largest cultural institutions accepted more than $1.6 billion in federal help to weather the coronavirus pandemic, but continued to let go of workers – even though the assistance was meant to shore up payrolls and keep workers on the job, according to a report released by AFSCME Cultural Workers United.

AFSCME supports lowering drug prices to help millions of Americans

When Fran Krugen’s late husband was first diagnosed with diabetes, his insulin cost about $35 a bottle.

But Krugen, an AFSCME retiree from Arizona, will never forget the day when she and her husband went to the drug store to pick up his insulin and the pharmacist told them it now cost $900 a bottle.

“This was medication he needed to live, and we had insurance,” she said at a press briefing earlier this month. “We looked at each other and had to ask ourselves: Do we make the house payment? Do we buy food? Or do we pay for his medication?”

Approval of labor unions continues to rise; is highest since 1965

More Americans approve of labor unions today than at any time since 1965, according to annual Gallup poll results released around each Labor Day.

More than two-thirds of poll respondents – 68% – approved of labor unions. That means a clear majority of voters views labor unions favorably. Among adults 18-34 years of age, 77% approve of unions. Support is also high among those with annual household incomes under $40,000.

AFSCME California Members Fight to Stop Anti-Worker Recall

In less than two weeks, California voters will decide the fate of Gov. Gavin Newsom in only the second recall election in the state's history. Since this recall effort is being funded by anti-union special interests, it’s imperative that all AFSCME California members and their families vote no on the recall.

San Jose Members Set New Standard with New Contract, 6.25% Raise

After spending months making demands to city leaders to pay them fairly and treat them like their work is essential, our brothers and sisters from MEF in San Jose won a new contract.

The victory is significant for workers in San Jose because Municipal Employees' Federation (AFSCME Local 101) won the contract by working in coalition with IFPTE Local 21, whose members also are public service workers for the city. The coalition was able to get one of the largest raises our members have received in nearly 30 years.

Labor Legend Richard Trumka Has Died

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka died suddenly on Thursday at the age of 72.

A former coal miner, Trumka served as the voice for America's labor movement since 2009.

Many labor leaders throughout the country agree that we lost a legend with Trumka's passing.

Inyo County Members Win 4% Pay Increase, Salary Adjustments for Part-Timers

James Truhls works as a landfill gate attendant for Inyo County. Although his job requires him to know about the different regulations surrounding garbage and recycling, vehicle scales, accounting, and even conflict resolution, everyone knows folks like him are some of the most underpaid and under-appreciated workers in the county.

Study Finds Unions Reduce Risk of Poverty

The benefits of belonging to a union are well-known. Better wages. Better health care. The promise of a secure and dignified retirement. A voice on the job, and much more.

But did you also know that belonging to a union may reduce the risk of poverty?

According to a new study, not only does belonging to a union (or being in a family with a union member) mean you’re less likely to fall into poverty, but even living in a state with high union density decreases your likelihood of experiencing poverty.