Union News
Saunders applauds WTC Health Program expansion for 9/11 responders
TL/DR - Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes an expansion of the World Trade Center Health Program. The additional funding will allow the program to expand its health services to active-duty military personnel, federal employees, and civilians present during the Pentagon attack and the Flight 93 crash on 9/11. The expanded […]
Saunders: Public Service Nearing Full Recovery in Latest Jobs Report
TL/DR - AFSCME President Lee Saunders commented on the U.S. economy gaining 199,000 jobs in November, stating that public sector jobs numbers are nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels. He mentioned AFSCME’s initiative 'Staff the Front Lines', started to restore public services and accommodate population growth. Saunders also stressed the need to reelect Joe Biden for […]
Saunders praises merit-based staffing revival in job programs
TL/DR - AFSCME President Lee Saunders applauded the U.S. Department of Labor’s final decision on Wagner-Peyser Employment Service staffing, emphasizing the importance of nonpartisan public service workers. He indicated that the rule restores the state merit staffing requirement that was overturned in 2020, which had allowed political influence in job appointments or outsourcing to private […]
Saunders: Nicole Berner Adds Needed Experience to Fourth Circuit
TL/DR - The White House has nominated Nicole Berner, general counsel for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Lee Saunders, the president of AFSCME, supports the nomination and praises Berner's advocacy for worker's rights, stating she has ensured millions have dignity and safety […]
Saunders: AFSCME members led Virginia to pro-worker majority win
TL/DR - AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued a statement after the election results flipped the Virginia House, resulting in a pro-worker majority in both chambers of the state legislature. During the election, AFSCME members rallied their communities to elect candidates that would safeguard their right to collectively bargain. With the pro-worker majority in place, Saunders […]
Saunders: Laphonza Butler, 'A New Champion for Workers in U.S. Senate'
TL/DR - California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Laphonza Butler to fill a vacant U.S. Senate seat for the state. Butler is the former president of SEIU Local 2015 and under her leadership, she successfully pushed for the first $15 an hour minimum wage law in the nation. Lee Saunders, President of the AFSCME, praised […]
Saunders: 'We must act to prevent another race against time'
TL/DR - AFSCME President Lee Saunders expressed relief at the bipartisan deal to prevent a government shutdown. He criticized Congress for playing a "dangerous game" that could have led to major cuts to essential programs for working families. While the deal is only a short-term solution, he commended the "grown-up, responsible leadership" that prevented a […]
Saunders: Sen. Feinstein, a Trailblazing & Skillful Legislator
TL/DR - The content is a statement released by AFSCME President Lee Saunders regarding the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. Saunders hails Feinstein as a stalwart of the U.S. Senate and American politics, noting her significant contributions to women’s rights, civil liberties, consumer protection, gun safety, and LGBTQ equality over the years. He also lauds […]
