AFSCME Praises Reintroduction of Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act

Renewed Push for Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Service Workers

As challenges intensify for public service workers, a renewed legislative effort seeks to bolster their rights to negotiate. The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act aims to establish a baseline for collective bargaining rights that states must offer to public sector employees.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders expressed gratitude toward lawmakers who have reintroduced this significant bill, emphasizing its urgency amidst growing threats to federal workers' bargaining rights. "Passing this legislation has never been more urgent — especially now, as federal workers face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights," Saunders stated. He added, "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."

Eliana Holgate, a member of AFSCME Maryland Council 3 and a children's instructor, joined Saunders at a Capitol Hill event to highlight the benefits of collective bargaining. Holgate shared that the ability to negotiate has enabled her and her colleagues to secure a robust contract, enhancing their capacity to support children and families effectively.

"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," Holgate remarked. She further stated, "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."

This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) along with Reps. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), seeks to ensure the right to negotiate for public service workers in states where such rights are currently absent. The bill, first proposed in 2019, comes at a time when public support for labor unions remains historically high.

Several workers from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Communications Workers of America Union (CWA) participated in the event, along with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and CWA Vice President Margaret Cook, underscoring the broad support for this legislative initiative.