Issues / Legislation

  • AFSCME’s Saunders applauds return to merit staffing in Employment Service programs

    WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement responding to the U.S. Department of Labor’s final rule on Wagner-Peyser Employment Service staffing:   “Qualified, nonpartisan public service workers are the lifeblood of strong communities, and recent history proves it. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, triggered widespread unemployment, but dedicated public service professionals – many of whom… Read More

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  • AFSCME’s Saunders: Nicole Berner will ‘bring much-needed experience’ to the Fourth Circuit

    AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after the White House nominated Nicole Berner, general counsel for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit: “We need more labor lawyers on the federal bench, and there are few labor lawyers more effective than Nicole… Read More

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  • Saunders: ‘There is work to do to ensure that we don’t face another race against the clock’

    AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the bipartisan deal to avert a government shutdown:   “We can breathe a sigh of relief – for now.   “Once again, extremists in Congress played a dangerous game, manufacturing an unnecessary crisis that would have imposed reckless cuts to programs working families depend… Read More

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  • AFSCME’s Saunders applauds proposed overtime rule, a well-deserved pay raise for millions

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Labor Department’s announcement of a notice of proposed rulemaking on overtime protections: “Once again, the Biden-Harris administration is showing up for working people. The proposed overtime rule released today would give a pay raise to millions of workers who deserve a fair… Read More

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  • AFSCME’s Saunders applauds O’Malley appointment to Social Security Administration

    AFSCME President Lee Saunders released this statement on the nomination of Martin O’Malley to be Commissioner of the Social Security Administration: “It’s never been more important that we have strong permanent leadership at the Social Security Administration. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley brings exactly the right qualities and credentials to this position – executive experience,… Read More

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  • AFSCME’s Saunders: SCOTUS student loan ruling ‘is yet another example of this court’s contempt for working families

    AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Joe Biden’s landmark student debt relief plan: “Today’s decision is yet another example of this court’s contempt for working families.   “Student debt is crushing the dreams of millions of people across the country, and this decision is a… Read More

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  • AFSCME’s Saunders: President Biden’s executive order is a milestone in effort to transform care work

    AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s announcement of a new executive order to improve care across the country: “Today, we celebrate a major milestone in our effort to address the crisis in care and win respect and recognition for care workers. President Joe Biden’s new executive order… Read More

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  • AFSCME’s Saunders: ‘President Biden’s priorities are working families’ priorities’

    AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after President Joe Biden announced his 2024 budget proposal: “President Biden’s priorities are working families’ priorities. The budget proposed today would shore up Medicare, ensuring that people will receive the health benefits they’ve earned, and protect Social Security from any cuts. While securing the future of these… Read More

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