Union strength persists amid public service staff shortages

TL/DR -

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has responded to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' annual report on union membership and earnings, attributing a small dip in union membership to severe staffing shortages and job vacancies in public service. The organization suggests the report may not reflect increased union mobilization and enthusiasm seen last year. AFSCME also highlights its efforts to address staffing shortages, including the successful "Staff the Front Lines" initiative, and anticipates reporting membership growth in its upcoming annual filing with the Department of Labor.

AFSCME Responds to BLS Union Membership and Earnings Report

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) responded to the recent Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) annual report on union membership and earnings. AFSCME expressed its perspective that the slight decline in union membership was due to severe job vacancies and staffing shortages in public services.

AFSCME further explained that the figures from the BLS survey might not reflect the resurgence in union enthusiasm and mobilization efforts initiated in the past year. The organization pointed out that state and local governments only returned to pre-pandemic employment levels towards the end of 2023, with many new hires just now joining the union.

Throughout the previous year, the AFSCME had been actively addressing staffing shortages through its successful Staff the Front Lines initiative. This initiative has successfully recruited thousands of qualified job seekers to fill public service vacancies. AFSCME is expected to report membership growth in its upcoming annual filing with the Department of Labor.

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