Emergency Services
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AFSCME’s Saunders: This Telecommunicators Week, let’s thank 911 dispatchers by recognizing them as the public safety professionals they are
WASHINGTON – National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12-18, recognizes the dedication of 911 dispatchers who play a crucial role in public safety, bravely serving as the first line of response for their communities in times of crisis. This week also serves as a reminder that 911 dispatchers are still not federally classified as… Read More
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Flight paramedics land a big grievance victory
Any AFSCME Public Safety member will tell you that during an emergency, you have to act fast — regardless of what you are doing at that time. And on many shifts, that means meal breaks are the first thing to disappear. But first responders are still entitled to paid meal breaks under the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) if they remain on call. For four members of Local 260 (AFSCME Florida),… Read More
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AFSCME’s Saunders: This EMS Week, we honor the AFSCME members in EMS who provide lifesaving care during some of the most difficult moments in people’s lives
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement recognizing National EMS Week, May 17–23, 2026. AFSCME is proud to represent nearly 100,000 public safety personnel, including EMS workers, in more than 40 states and Puerto Rico. “During EMS Week, we honor the highly skilled AFSCME members in EMS who answer the call to… Read More
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Respect EMS professionals who save lives, increase staffing and resources
With just a moment’s notice, they can save a life. It is an invaluable skill set, and it’s why we take the time this week to honor the professionals who work in emergency medical services. The paramedics and emergency medical… Read More
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A salute to those who answer the call
About 240 million times a year, the very first public safety professional to respond to an emergency is the 911 dispatcher who answers the urgent phone call. What they do next is often a matter of life and death, and the public rarely sees their faces or has a chance… Read More
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Kansas state workers deserve more than just crumbs
The state workers who keep Kansas running should be treated with dignity and respect. That’s why the legislature’s decision to approve just a 1% across-the-board pay raise for state workers is so out of touch. The Kansas Organization of State Employees (KOSE) said in a March 25 statement that the raise doesn’t even keep up with… Read More
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AFSCME members answer the call to demand respect and recognition for 911 dispatchers
AFSCME 911 dispatchers walked the halls of Congress this week to urge passage of a law that would reclassify 911 dispatchers. Read More
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FEMA cuts would harm emergency response mission, AFSCME members warn
AFSCME members explain how cuts to FEMA would harm emergency response work in the states Read More
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In lawsuit, AFSCME and allies slam administration for attacking PSLF
AFSCME is suing to prevent the administration from unlawfully altering the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Read More
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At N.Y. medical center, world of hurt awaits patients
Ebony Rose worries for her patients at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, N.Y., who face health care cuts and the government shutdown. Read More
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AFSCME heroes help heal MI community gripped by tragedy
The AFSCME public service spirit shines in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Read More
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‘Backbone of the department.’ Delaware DOJ workers form union with Council 81
We welcome the newest members of our union in Delaware. Read More
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This administration is forgetting the sacrifice of 9/11 responders
Under this administration, a program Congress created to treat 9/11 first responders is being starved of resources. Read More
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We honor EMS professionals and recommit to protecting public health
During EMS Week, we recommit to fighting the new administration and extremists in Congress who are trying to undermine public health. Read More
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As fires devastate Los Angeles, AFSCME members continue to serve
Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images Read More
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Recruiting, retaining wildland firefighters just got easier thanks to Alaska members
Alaska wildland firefighters are getting much-needed pay raises, thanks to ASEA/AFSCME Local 52. Read More
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AFSCME honors EMS heroes during EMS Week
AFSCME honors EMS workers during EMS Week. Read More
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AFSCME’s Saunders: During EMS week, we celebrate the essential workers who race to our side when we need them most
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement recognizing National EMS Week, which is happening May 19-25, 2024: “When disaster strikes, EMS professionals never flinch or hesitate. They often risk their own safety to provide aid and comfort to those in need. Whether they are the first on the scene or providing critical… Read More
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With unanimous support, paramedics and EMTs form a union with AFSCME in Montana
We welcome EMS workers at AMR Bozeman to the AFSCME family. Read More
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Public Safety Spotlight: ‘The calm voice in the storm’
We honor professionals like Chad Piazza during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Read More
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AFSCME’s Saunders: The 911 SAVES Act will give emergency dispatchers the permanent recognition they’ve earned
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which is happening April 14-20, 2024: “911 dispatchers aren’t seen, but they are heard in every crisis. They are the calm voice in the storm, supporting people in their time of need. It takes poise and composure to coordinate… Read More
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Off-duty Florida paramedics win Never Quit awards for rescuing tornado victims
AFSCME Florida members Heath Schmidt and Paul Tucker, who are both critical care paramedics, are the latest winners of our union’s Never Quit Service Award. Read More
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Mr. Montoya goes to Washington
AFSCME member had a ringside seat to the State of the Union speech last week. Read More
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Oregon legislature makes historic investment in state’s public safety workforce
Oregon public safety workers will benefit from a bill that passed the legislature. Read More
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NYC 911 operators secure victory on flexible work schedules
New York City’s 911 operators negotiate flexible schedules, pay raises through their union, AFSCME’s DC37. Read More
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More 9/11 first responders, victims to receive care
AFSCME President Lee Saunders applauds expansion of World Trade Center Health Program. Read More
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AFSCME’s Saunders: Help EMS workers help our communities by ensuring safe staffing
AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in honor of National Emergency Medical Services Week, May 21-27, 2023: “When disaster strikes, EMS professionals are the first on the scene. Through fires, storms, car accidents, health emergencies and more, our communities depend on their bravery to get us through crisis – and they always deliver.… Read More
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AFSCME’s Saunders: 911 dispatchers deserve more than recognition for their service; they deserve action
AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which is happening April 9-15, 2023: “This week, we celebrate the essential workers who are the first to answer our call in times of crisis. When we dial 911, we count on the person on the other end of the phone to… Read More
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Emergency Services
Every day we put our lives on the line to protect and save the lives of others. AFSCME members provide emergency medical services, staff 911 call centers and are first on the scene when disaster strikes, making sure the public is protected. Resources Resolutions Read More
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