AFSCME President opposes RFK Jr. leading the Health Department

Concerns Voiced Over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Nomination for HHS Leadership

In a recent development from Washington, AFSCME President Lee Saunders has publicly opposed the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The opposition stems from concerns about Kennedy's priorities and their alignment with the values of health care workers.

Lee Saunders, representing the union's 1.4 million members, many of whom are employed in the health sector, expressed his concerns by stating that the leadership of HHS requires a dedication to public health protection which he believes Kennedy lacks. Saunders emphasized, “Front-line health care workers need a leader at HHS who shares their values – someone who believes, as they do, in safeguarding public health.”

The union leader criticized Kennedy's focus, alleging that his primary interest lies in boosting profits for wealthy collaborators rather than enhancing access to essential healthcare services. There is a strong belief that Kennedy's agenda includes dismantling vital programs like Head Start, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Medicaid, which Saunders argues would negatively impact vulnerable communities. The statement further highlighted Kennedy's intention to halt negotiations aimed at reducing prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

AFSCME members, according to Saunders, routinely make significant sacrifices to ensure community health services are upheld. He underscored the union's commitment to organizing against any actions by Kennedy and his supporters that could hinder the essential work carried out by health care workers. As Saunders puts it, “We will keep organizing to make sure that Kennedy and his anti-worker friends don’t get in the way of their essential work.”