About AFSCME

Fighting Privatization

What is privatization?

“Privatization” occurs when a government body decides that a public service provided by public employees should instead be provided by a private contractor. It is also referred to as “outsourcing,” “competitive sourcing” or “contracting out.” Some public officials and politicians think privatization is a quick fix to address their budget woes. Others see privatization as a way to reduce government and services, and weaken public employee unions.

Yet privatization creates problems, not solutions. Usually privatization involves substituting non-union workers — with lower wages and few, if any, benefits — for AFSCME members with decent wages, health insurance and retirement benefits. Government should support the creation of good-paying jobs to support strong communities.

How does privatization affect AFSCME members?

For AFSCME members — and all public employees and the people we serve — the price of privatization is high. Privatization threatens job security, pay and benefits, working conditions and career opportunities. That is why AFSCME actively works to organize more privatized workers into the union — to bargain for better wages and benefits, and thereby protect the living standards of current AFSCME members.

AFSCME is fighting efforts to privatize public services. Our battle is in Washington, D.C., and in state legislatures, in city halls and in board rooms. Our strategy is to fight privatization early on, using our resources to win each battle. To continue to win, we must elect public officials who will not allow privatization to weaken our communities and our nation.

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