Public service workers are teaching us a lesson

There is no sector of the workforce more resilient than those who work in public service. As billionaires raise costs for working families and funding for essential services is slashed, these workers are being asked to do more with less.  

Every day they go above and beyond to respond to the needs of their community: stepping up during extreme weather events, responding to emergencies, educating the next generation, keeping our streets clean, caring for patients and the elderly, ensuring public safety, and so much more.  

This Public Service Recognition Week, we can show our appreciation for their grit and dedication by taking a page out of their book and joining the fight to protect public services and workers’ voices on the job. 

Despite the importance of all they do, public service workers are often met with attacks by anti-union politicians, rather than the support they deserve. These attacks include budget cuts that endanger their jobs, staffing crises that jeopardize safety for everyone and threats to pay and benefits.  

Never giving in, public service workers answer this assault by getting organized. 

Nationwide, AFSCME members are using their union voice to demand more for their communities. Since the extremists in Congress and the Trump administration recklessly slashed funding for Medicaid, food assistance and other programs to give tax breaks to billionaires, AFSCME members have been fighting at the state and local levels to protect schools, hospitals, public works projects and more.  

In the courts, AFSCME members have successfully protected funding for museums, libraries and child care. And at the bargaining table, they continue to negotiate for fair wages, safe staffing and respect, all of which ensures public services remain strong for the community.  

They don’t do it to get rich or get famous. They keep going – behind the scenes and outside the limelight – because working in public service is their life’s calling. 

Their resilience and perseverance teaches all of us an important lesson: the best way to channel our love for this country and commitment to our communities is by getting organized and standing together to make working people’s lives better. 

So, this week, remember to stop and show your appreciation for the public service workers who show up every single day by joining them in the fight. If you know an AFSCME member whose service should be recognized and celebrated, click here to nominate them for a Never Quit Service award.