Public service workers keep our communities running and take pride in the essential work they do. But chronic understaffing is making their jobs harder than ever. To ensure our communities are safe, healthy and strong, we must staff the front lines.
Stories from the Front Lines
In the News
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With COVID-19 Behind Us, Now Is the Moment To Rebuild the Public Service Workforce
Jul 17, 2023 | Newsweek -
AFSCME Launches ‘Staff The Front Lines’ Bus Tour, In New York, Aimed At Solving Understaffing Crisis In Public Service
Jul 17, 2023 | Black Star news -
AFSCME report: Staffing shortage by more than 3,400 at Maryland’s correctional facilities
Apr 20, 2023 | Maryland Matters -
Big Union Steps Up to Fill Frontline Public-Sector Jobs
Feb 15, 2023 | Governing News -
At Juneau rally, state workers call for more resources to fix food stamp backlog
Feb 10, 2023 | KTOO -
State staffing shortages include snow plow operators, has union seeking higher wages to fill 'critical' vacancies
Sep 12, 2022 | Nebraska Examiner -
Illinois to tackle critical staffing shortages
Aug 31, 2022 | KHQA -
AFSCME: Maryland state staffing vacancies lead to dangerous working conditions
Jul 07, 2022 | WBAL-TV -
Despite federal COVID aid, some cities face hurdles bringing workers back after budget cuts
Oct 03, 2021 | USA Today
About Staff the Front Lines
Across the country, states, cities and towns are facing massive staffing shortages. Public service workers are on the job around the clock, caring for our communities and responding to emergencies. But they need help.
Through important legislation like the American Rescue Plan, the Biden Administration and the pro-worker majority in Congress provided direct relief to working families and secured historic investments for our communities that helped to stop the bleeding, close budget holes, and keep essential workers on the job.
But this legislation was only the first step on our path to recovery.
Pandemic job cuts and hiring freezes slashed the public service workforce. Today, the public service is still hundreds of thousands of jobs short from pre-pandemic levels. States, cities, and towns are not hiring fast enough to fill the lost jobs, which is putting a strain on the everyday heroes who keep our communities running.
To address this crisis, AFSCME members are organizing together to Staff the Front Lines — investing in our essential workers and recruiting qualified and passionate professionals to work in public service.
Hear From AFSCME Members
- Wendy Smith Community Health Nurse, AFSCME Local 558During the pandemic, there was so much need. People depended on us to get them tested and vaccinated. Even though we were overwhelmed and understaffed, I always reminded myself that we are the only access to health care that some people might have. I care about showing up for them.
- Crosby Smith Care Provider Council 31 AFSCME Local 2645I'm committed to taking care of my patients, that's what keeps me going. But the staffing crisis is taking its toll. Some of us are working 16 hours straight with no breaks. We want to do everything we can for our patients, and I know we could if we had enough people on the job.
- Heather Burke Social Case Worker Council 18 AFSCME Local 3927We're out in the field every day, working one-on-one with kids to ensure they're safe. But we're losing staff, which means kids in need are losing these crucial home visits. We can't allow them to be left behind. We need more people in the community doing this essential work.
- Sheron Mickens Hearing Specialist Council 79 AFSCME Local 3076When there is a crisis like COVID-19 or Hurricane Ian, the caseload increases, and the short staffing becomes even more of a challenge. We work overtime and weekends to try to assist because the need does not stop. It makes it hard to retain employees. Our communities deserve better.
- Shirley Eby Correctional Captain Council 17 AFSCME Local 2702As a corrections officer, you got to be a doctor, a psychiatrist, a social worker, a chaplain, and sometimes you got to be a momma. We do everything we can to help folks get through a difficult situation, but there's only so many of us. We need back up.
