June 08, 2021 New York EMT slain in the line of duty honored with playground renaming To honor murdered AFSCME-represented EMT Yadira Arroyo, local officials have named a playground in Bronx, N.Y., after her. Read More
May 17, 2021 We thank our EMS workers during National EMS Week During National EMS Week, we honor brave front-line EMS workers for the sacrifices they make every day – especially during this pandemic. Read More
April 12, 2021 NY paramedics make in-flight rescue AFSCME EMS workers are never off the clock. Not even when flying high above. Three New York EMS workers saved a passenger’s life in flight. Read More
March 29, 2021 Michigan’s Emilie Stack, protecting her community through public health For Emilie Stack, an emergency preparedness coordinator in Michigan, it’s all about community. Read More
March 02, 2021 Arizona paramedic and Never Quit winner was first inspired by fifth grade teacher Meet Keith Lowry, a paramedic in Northern Arizona and member of AFSCME Local 2960, who’s a winner of AFSCME's Never Quit Service Award. Read More
October 15, 2020 As pandemic ravaged New York City region, this morgue worker refused to quit Mike Vikara, a forensic pathologist assistant for the Nassau County, New York, Medical Examiner, is a winner of AFSCME's Never Quit Service Award. Read More
October 07, 2020 Joe Biden’s economic leadership is inspiring AFSCME members to vote Joe Biden’s tax policies will benefit working people. Donald Trump’s tax policies benefit himself and his corporate buddies. Read More
October 06, 2020 It’s been a year like no other, but don’t tell that to this Oregon emergency manager Erik Rau is an emergency management planner for the state of Oregon who has helped battle fires, floods and a pandemic – all in a single year. Read More
August 05, 2020 Veterans will be disproportionately affected if the Senate fails to provide state, local aid Veterans face a double whammy if the Senate fails to provide federal aid to states, cities, towns and school districts – loss of their jobs and loss of public services. Read More
June 24, 2020 ‘The anger is blinding’ DC 37 member and New York paramedic discusses fighting the coronavirus pandemic in a powerful first-person account published by the Washington Post. Read More
June 22, 2020 Though shorthanded, AFSCME members smother wildfire, head off disaster A forest fire got contained quickly thanks to the dedication of AFSCME Michigan members, but short-staffing may lead to tragic results the next time. Read More
May 22, 2020 ‘It’s Like 9/11 Every Day’ A healthy New York City Fire Department EMS lieutenant for 25 years suddenly got sick with COVID-19. This is his story. Read More
May 21, 2020 All EMS Workers Should be Eligible for Federal Benefits Program The Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program shouldn’t exclude EMS workers based on whom they work for. Read More
May 18, 2020 During National EMS Week, Thank First Responders with More Than Words This year, National EMS Week comes amid a national emergency of nearly unprecedented proportions. Just as EMS professionals across the country are rising to the challenge, so must the U.S. Senate. Read More
May 14, 2020 AFSCME Members Recovering From COVID-19 Share Their Stories, Seek State, Local Aid In a press call, AFSCME front-line workers shared stories of suffering with COVID-19 as they highlighted the urgent need for congressional aid. Read More
April 15, 2020 911 Operators: ‘The First of the First Responders’ This week is a moment to honor and celebrate the work of 911 operators across the country. Read More
April 08, 2020 AZ Paramedic: ‘We Need Leadership From the Federal Government’ It’s become a familiar refrain from first responders like Michelle Prentice of Arizona – they need more protective gear. Read More
April 03, 2020 Desperate for Relief, Under Unprecedented Strain, FDNY EMS Continues to Serve AFSCME EMS workers in New York City are exhausted but continue to serve. Read More
March 27, 2020 Arizona EMS Workers Put Their Communities First but Struggle to Find Resources Patti Davidson, an Arizona paramedic, describes how she ventures into battle with COVID-19 without all the weapons she needs. Read More
March 25, 2020 ‘Ready to Hold the Line’ in Arizona In one remote Arizona retirement community, EMS workers are watching and waiting for the COVID-19 pandemic to strike. Read More
March 25, 2020 NY Paramedic: ‘Our Most Immediate Concern is a Shortage of Equipment’ Getting protective equipment is the top priority for a New York paramedic fighting the coronavirus. Read More
March 25, 2020 Corrections, EMS Workers Stress Need for Resources in COVID-19 Fight Corrections and EMS workers demand help from the federal government. Read More
March 23, 2020 Today is the 10-year Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act Millions of people gained coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law 10 years ago today. Read More
March 18, 2020 A Profile in Courage: COVID-19 ‘Strike Team’ Member Blake Andersen, EMT A portrait of courage: Blake Andersen, an EMT in California, volunteered to be in the most dangerous front in the fight against the coronavirus. Read More
March 17, 2020 Members Fighting Coronavirus Pandemic Share Their Stories, Urge Feds to do More Stories of heroism, dedication from AFSCME members fighting the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the need for more federal action. Read More
January 22, 2020 Banks Are No Longer Forgotten Thanks to Trump Tax Cuts. But Working People Are. The Trump tax cuts of 2017 have made the top six U.S. banks and their shareholders wealthy. Not working people. Read More
November 19, 2019 New York 911 Operator Honored with Statewide Award Meet AFSCME Council 66 member and 911 operator Loretta Anderson, whose job is unseen and often unappreciated. Not any longer, though. Read More
September 04, 2019 Imperial County Emergency Medical Services Workers Join AFSCME Taking a page from Riverside EMS workers, EMS professionals in Imperial County also took action – they voted resoundingly to join AFSCME Local 4911. Read More
July 31, 2019 New Southern California EMS Contract to Set Standard for the Industry It wasn’t easy, but EMS workers in Riverside, California, reached a contract with American Medical Response that will provide much-deserved pay raises and improved health coverage for 450 workers. Read More
July 24, 2019 At Last. Congress Authorizes Permanent 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Congress has authorized permanent funding for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund after years of efforts by survivors and other advocates, including AFSCME members. Read More