Press Releases Archive
AFSCME mourns the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings
AFSCME President Lee Saunders released this statement following the news that Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings passed away today:
“Today the country lost a champion for working people. Rep. Cummings was a guardian of our democratic v...
‘Largest Union Organizing Campaign in the Country’ Underway as 40,000 California Child Care Workers Win Freedom to Collectively Bargain
California Governor Gavin Newsom signs AB 378, giving childcare providers the ability to organize for improvements on the job while setting the stage for the largest union election and organizing campaign in the country
AFSCME President Lee Saunders on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Presidential Run
AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement about New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s campaign for the presidency:
“I want to commend Mayor de Blasio for running a campaign that was about putting working people first by el...
Lower Drug Costs Now Act Promises to Bring Down Prescription Drug Prices
AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in support of H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This legislation would allow the federal government to negotiate prescription drug prices, impose penalties on companies that refuse to n...
AFSCME Opposes Scalia Appointment
After Eugene Scalia’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement:
“Eugene Scalia has demonstrated that he remains committed to prote...
AFSCME Stands in Full Support of Striking Auto Workers
AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement in support of striking auto workers at General Motors:
“Public service workers proudly stand in solidarity with striking auto workers in their fight for dignity and fair treatment. They...
Public Support for Unions Continues to Surge
As we approach Labor Day weekend, a new Gallup poll released today reveals public support for labor unions reaching 64%—a near 50-year high. This positive surge in approval demonstrates how effective unions have been in shifting the conversation ...
Permanent Authorization of 9/11 Victim Fund a Major Victory for First Responders, Public Service Workers
AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement after Senate passage of the Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. The bipartisan legislation ensures that the following groups r...
AFSCME President Lee Saunders on Impending Scalia Nomination
AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement regarding President Trump's plan to nominate Eugene Scalia to Secretary of Labor:
“Working people need a labor secretary who has their backs.
“From completing a fiduciary...
Raising the Minimum Wage Will Strengthen the Working Class
In response to the passage of the Raise the Wage Act, AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement. This legislation will raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour and eliminate the exploitative tipped minimum wage:
“This le...