AFSCME and union partners join with members of Congress to reintroduce bill to expand workers’ freedoms

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and a coalition of union partners joined together with Senator Mazie Hirono and Representatives Donald Norcross, Brian Fitzpatrick and Chris Deluzio to introduce the bipartisan Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. First introduced in 2019, this legislation would set a minimum nationwide standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide – a right that public service workers are currently denied in 25 states.

 

In the face of unprecedented, billionaire-led attacks on public service workers and their jobs, leaders and union members from AFSCME, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) spoke at a press conference about the importance of advancing this popular, pro-union legislation.

 

Gallup’s polling shows public support for unions remains near historic highs. Americans understand that communities are stronger when workers are free to collectively bargain and can use their voice on the job without fear of retaliation.

 

“Passing this legislation has never been more urgent — especially now, as federal workers face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights," said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We believe, as most Americans do, that every worker deserves a union — no matter who they work for. This bill is about something fundamental: respect. Respect for the public service workers who’ve devoted their careers to serving their communities. And respect means the freedom to negotiate.”

 

“Because we were able to pass a bill to expand collective bargaining in Maryland, my co-workers and I negotiated a strong contract which will help us keep up the rising cost of living, effectively address issues in the workplace, and better serve the children of Howard County and their families,” said Eliana Holgate, an AFSCME Council 3 member and children’s instructor and research specialist in Maryland. “We should not have to rely on a patchwork of laws nationwide. Workers like our nurses, school bus drivers and library workers should have the freedom to join a union and have the union we choose recognized.”

 

“When workers stand together in a union, their jobs and lives improve,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “But in half of the country, the people who keep our cities and towns running are banned from collectively bargaining for a good union contract. Every day, the attacks on the fundamental freedoms of workers who keep our streets and water clean, our public transportation moving, and our children learning are increasing from the highest level of government. We need federal law to protect their rights to form a union and negotiate fair contracts that allow them to continue to do the work that is so essential to our communities. We call on every member of Congress to stand with working people and support the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.”

 

“Public sector workers teach our children, protect our safety, and keep our communities moving forward—they deserve the right to organize,” said Senator Hirono. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act will help ensure that millions of public sector workers across our country have the federal protections they deserve as they fight for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions. Private sector workers are already guaranteed the right to organize under federal law, it should be common sense that public sector workers are afforded those same rights. As President Trump works to gut our public sector workforce, this bill is crucial to protect workers’ freedom to organize and bargain collectively. I’m proud to lead this important legislation with Representative Norcross to help ensure that every public employee has their voice heard in the workplace.”

 

“I know the power of collective bargaining because I’ve lived it,” said Congressman Norcross, a former union electrician, member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “I spent decades at the negotiating table standing up for working families — fighting for fair pay, safer jobs, and better benefits like health care and retirement. This bill ensures public-sector workers across the country have that same right to a voice on the job and a seat at the table.” 

 

“No matter where they live, American workers in every sector should have the ability to form and join a union, or to collectively bargain to improve their workplace,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Public servants should have this right, just like other workers. Now is the time for solidarity: let’s come together and stand with hardworking Americans, defend the union way of life, and pass the bipartisan Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.”

 

"For years now, the rights of workers like nurses, librarians, educators, and all our essential public servants who dedicate themselves to our communities have been chipped away at, despite their dedication and selfless service to their communities,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America. “That's why the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is so vital. It protects public sector workers' fundamental right to join together, bargain for fair pay, and stand up for decent working conditions. Congress needs to step up and pass this now and push back against efforts trying to undermine these essential rights."

 

“As education, healthcare and public service workers, our members make a difference in the lives of others every day,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. “But too many states don’t allow the people who do the work to have a voice.  The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would change that, ensuring public servants, no matter where they reside, have a means to influence their own lives. Whether it’s higher wages, safer working conditions, or a secure retirement, the ability to organize a union and bargain collectively lifts working families, students, patients, and entire communities up. That’s why we enthusiastically support this legislation and are committed to moving it forward.”

 

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