AFSCME urges swift House vote on Protect America’s Workforce Act

Efforts are intensifying in the U.S. House of Representatives to bring the Protect America’s Workforce Act to a vote. This initiative seeks to counteract a controversial executive order believed to undermine union rights among federal workers. With bipartisan support gaining momentum, the discussion centers on safeguarding the collective bargaining rights of over a million workers.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders has expressed strong support for this legislative push. In a statement, Saunders highlighted the importance of acting swiftly to counteract the executive order, which is deemed illegal and detrimental to worker rights.

“We applaud the bipartisan coalition of elected officials who are working to push an immediate vote on legislation in the House of Representatives to protect federal workers’ freedom to collectively bargain. The House of Representatives has the votes to stop this illegal, union-busting executive order from continuing to strip more than 1 million workers of their voice on the job, and the speaker of the House should not be blocking this bill from coming to a vote. We urge the bill’s supporters to act swiftly and compel an immediate vote on the Protect America’s Workforce Act. Federal workers have dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe and healthy, and they need a voice on the job to continue to defend the essential work they do from the billionaires and anti-union extremists who are trying to rob working people of our power.”

The executive order in question, introduced during the Trump administration, has faced criticism for its potential to diminish workers' influence in the workplace. The Protect America’s Workforce Act aims to restore and protect these rights, emphasizing the critical role federal workers play in maintaining public safety and health.

This legislative effort reflects a larger debate on federal workers' rights and the power dynamics between labor and administration. As discussions progress, the focus remains on ensuring a fair platform for workers to express their needs and concerns in a protected environment.