Press Releases

  • AFSCME’s Saunders: This is a blatant attempt to hold federal workers hostage, instead of addressing an imminent extreme increase in ACA premiums for 22 million Americans

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after the Office of Management and Budget threatened mass firings of federal workers in the event of a federal government shutdown: “After slashing public services…

  • Unions Sue Trump Administration Over Union Busting at Voice of America, USAGM

    AFSCME, AFGE say move to strip workers of their collective bargaining rights is attempt by administration to silence their First Amendment rights WASHINGTON – The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and…

  • Federal Judge Rebukes Trump Administration for Firing Essential Federal Employees

    In a sharply worded decision issued late Friday, a federal district judge ruled that the Trump Administration broke the law by firing federal workers employed in vital roles protecting public safety and supporting the U.S. economy.  Judge…

  • Saunders on the federal court ruling federal probationary employees were wrongfully fired: This is a major victory for AFSCME members and our communities

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement on the summary judgment granted to AFSCME by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, affirming that the Office of Personnel…

  • AFSCME’s Saunders: Big ugly jobs report highlights Trump administration’s failing anti-worker policies

     WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement on the Bureau of Labor Statistics August jobs report:  “This big, ugly jobs report makes clear that an administration run by and for billionaires is…

  • Libraries, Museums, Cultural Institutions, and Nation’s Largest Cultural Worker Union Urge Court to Block President Trump’s Effort to Dismantle the Nation’s Cultural and Educational Infrastructure

    Supporting Brief Highlights the Devastating Impact of Executive Order Gutting the Institute of Museum and Library Services Rhode Island — A coalition of leading library, museum, and cultural organizations, and the nation’s largest labor union of…

  • AFSCME’s Saunders: As trust in Congress and big corporations hits new lows, support for unions remains strong — and for good reason.

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to Gallup’s annual Labor Day poll showing public support for unions has held steady, near all-time highs: “Working people want unions and the…

  • AFSCME’s Saunders: Stripping Voice of America workers of their union is a clear act of retaliation. But we will not back down.

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after President Trump moved to strip Voice of America employees of their union: “AFSCME members who fulfill the Congressionally mandated mission to broadcast Voice of…

  • AFSCME’s Saunders on proposed PSLF eligibility changes: This unlawful rule shows how little this administration cares about public service workers.

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after the Department of Education proposed a new rule that would revoke Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility from public service workers whose employers are deemed at…

  • AFSCME’s Saunders: As we mark Social Security’s 90th anniversary, we strengthen our commitment to protecting retirement security for all

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in recognition of the 90th anniversary of Social Security: “Social Security has been essential for helping working families achieve the American Dream — keeping the promise…