AFSCME President Saunders condemns Trump's anti-union executive orders

On the first day of his presidency, Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders that have raised concerns among union leaders about the future of workers' rights. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) President, Lee Saunders, issued a statement expressing the union's strong opposition to these actions.

“Yesterday, Donald Trump began his presidency by signing executive orders that undermine public service workers’ voice on the job and the very principles of civil service which have been established for more than a century to keep politics out of public service. Putting the job security of nonpartisan, dedicated public service workers in the hands of billionaires and anti-union extremists is unacceptable; it’s also what Project 2025 promised to do. The workers who keep our communities running deserve better than attacks on their freedoms on day one. While we had hoped for better, we’re not going to sit by and take these attacks. AFSCME will be mobilizing, organizing and working with our partners to protect workers’ seat at the table and essential public services.”

These executive orders, according to Saunders, are seen as an attempt to diminish the influence and rights of public service workers, potentially threatening the nonpartisan nature of civil service that has been a cornerstone of government operations for more than a century. The AFSCME leader criticized the perceived shift of control over job security to wealthy individuals and groups opposed to union activities, aligning these actions with the goals of Project 2025.

Project 2025, a framework allegedly designed to reshape government service, was mentioned as a driving force behind these efforts. Saunders emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of public service workers, who play a vital role in maintaining essential community functions, and called for resistance against these measures.

AFSCME's stance is clear: they will actively resist and counter these executive orders. The union plans to mobilize and collaborate with other organizations to safeguard the rights and roles of public service workers across the nation.