Health Care Archive

March 23, 2022

On the 12th anniversary of the ACA, taking stock of its immense benefits

AFSCME members helped make the Affordable Care Act a reality, 12 years ago today.

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March 02, 2022

Stronger now and getting stronger: Biden outlines accomplishments and priorities

In his first State of the Union speech, President Joe Biden showed once again that he stands with working families.

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February 04, 2022

As prescription drug prices climb, Congress must allow Medicare to negotiate

Congress must allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, which would eventually lower drug prices for all Americans, not just retirees.

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January 26, 2022

AFSCME-backed bill seeks to overcome the nation’s addiction crisis

Congress should approve the CARE Act, an AFSCME-backed bill that will help the country overcome the addiction crisis.

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January 05, 2022

AFSCME joins labor push for permanent health standard to protect against COVID-19

AFSCME and a group of unions are pushing the Biden administration to adopt permanent protections for health care workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

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December 21, 2021

AFSCME members renew resolve to make the Build Back Better Act a reality

The Build Back Better Act would invest some $2 trillion to expand the social safety net, fight climate change and invest in our human infrastructure.

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December 10, 2021

Union health care workers in CA, HI approve historic contract

Thousands of health care workers in California and Hawaii have a big reason to be cheerful this holiday season – they have ratified a new contract with Kaiser Permanente.

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December 01, 2021

New Mexico registered nurse is ‘a great guide to doing the right thing’

Maryam Chudnoff, a registered nurse in New Mexico, is a winner of AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award.

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November 19, 2021

AFSCME’s Saunders urges Senate to act on House-approved Build Back Better Act

After House passage of the Build Back Better Act, AFSCME President Lee Saunders said our country is “set to turn a corner.”

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November 16, 2021

Strike averted: Tentative agreement reached with Kaiser Permanente in California

Union health care workers, including UNAC/UHCP members, have reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser Permanente executives.

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November 05, 2021

32,000 health care workers notify Kaiser Permanente they will go on strike beginning Nov. 15

A strike by 32,000 workers of Kaiser Permanente out West is scheduled for Nov. 15 – unless the company alters its wage and other proposals to the workers’ satisfaction.

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November 01, 2021

Saunders at UNAC/UHCP rally: ‘AFSCME stands with you’

During a rally for UNAC/UHCP workers, AFSCME President Lee Saunders shared a message of solidarity.

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September 21, 2021

AFSCME supports lowering drug prices to help millions of Americans

AFSCME supports a proposal to lower drug prices that would help millions of Americans afford their prescription medications and avoid impossible choices.

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July 30, 2021

Saunders celebrates Medicare anniversary, demands action to cut prescription drug prices

Congress should act now to lower prescription drug costs for all Americans, especially retirees, AFSCME president says.

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June 17, 2021

AFSCME president on high court ACA ruling: A ‘huge victory’ for working families

AFSCME President Lee Saunders applauded the Supreme Court for rejecting the latest baseless lawsuit aimed at overturning the Affordable Care Act.

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June 03, 2021

King Conservation District staff union unanimously ratifies first contract

Discover the many reasons why King County conservation workers in Washington state formed a union

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March 08, 2021

American Rescue Plan is a big step closer to becoming law with Senate passage

We applaud the Senate for approving the American Rescue Plan. The relief bill is a huge step closer to becoming law.

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February 22, 2021

Scholarships designed to boost minority ranks in health care

UNAC/UHCP is offering five scholarships of $2,000 each to increase the ranks of health care workers of Black/African descent.

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February 01, 2021

In viral PSAs, New Mexico health care workers urge mask use, vaccinations

AFSCME members recorded public service announcements to encourage New Mexicans to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. To their surprise, those videos have gone viral.

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January 27, 2021

In first days as president, Biden shows bold leadership

President Joe Biden has taken swift executive action to move forward a working people's agenda, showing the kind of bold leadership our country needs.

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January 13, 2021

Health experts reassure union members that COVID vaccines are safe, effective

A roundtable of experts discuss COVID-19 vaccines, their safety and their efficacy with union members.

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January 12, 2021

AFSCME nurses shine as their sacrifices for their communities continue in pandemic

AFSCME nurses are shining in the spotlight as they continue to make huge sacrifices while serving on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

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December 22, 2020

Early coronavirus vaccine recipient feels optimistic about what lies ahead

Myo Thant, a front-line worker in Seattle and a member of Council 28, is one of the first AFSCME members to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

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December 10, 2020

AFSCME respiratory therapist in remarks to Congress: ‘I want you to wear a mask’

Ramon Williams, a member of AFSCME Florida Council 79, participated in a congressional listening session about the challenges front-line workers have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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December 07, 2020

Western New Yorkers claim victory for retiree health benefits

By banding together with one purpose, AFSCME members in Western New York were able to protect retiree health care – a testament to their solidarity.

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November 24, 2020

Western New York workers rally to save retiree health care benefits

Members of two local unions in Western NY are fighting back against taking away retiree benefits to cut city costs.

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November 10, 2020

In the middle of a pandemic, Trump threatens health care for millions of Americans

In the middle of a pandemic, the Trump administration is helping 18 states' attorneys general to take away health care from millions of Americans.

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October 30, 2020

Harris urges union members to vote, show their power

Sen. Kamala Harris joined AFSCME President Lee Saunders and AFT President Randi Weingarten in a tele-town hall Thursday night to urge people to vote.

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October 27, 2020

With Coney Barrett confirmation, Senate majority continues its ‘power games’

AFSCME President Lee Saunders calls the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett a corrupt political game.

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October 23, 2020

In final debate, Biden offers unity, clear path forward

In the final presidential debate, Joe Biden promised to fund the front lines, offering a vision of unity and a comprehensive path forward.

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