AFSCME’s Saunders: The Public Service Worker Protection Act would support those who have devoted their careers to helping others

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after Congressman Chris Deluzio introduced the Public Service Worker Protection Act:

“Every worker, regardless of what they do or whom they work for, deserves to be safe and healthy on the job. Yet, 23 states actively exclude public service workers from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) coverage, leaving nearly eight million front-line professionals in public safety, health care, sanitation, education and more exposed to dangerous working conditions. Public sector workers reported an injury rate 81% higher than their counterparts in the private sector. This disparity is an insult to those who have devoted their careers to helping others, and it compromises the public services we all depend on.

“The Public Service Worker Protection Act would finally extend OSHA safeguards to public service employees nationwide. As we work to fill critical public service jobs, this bill would allow those who are just starting these essential careers to be safe and secure on the job.

“On behalf of the 1.4 million public service workers of AFSCME, we thank Rep. Chris Deluzio for his leadership on the Public Service Worker Protection Act, and we urge Congress to pass this life-saving legislation.”