News

Biden forgives student loans for an additional 78,000 public service workers

AFSCME President Lee Saunders praised the White House’s announcement Thursday that the Biden administration will forgive student loans for an additional 78,000 borrowers — including many AFSCME mem

Brett Kavanaugh: No R-E-S-P-E-C-T for Women’s and Workers’ Rights

Like others around the world, I mourned the death last week of Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul set a new standard for enduring classic songs with both artistic and political impact, like her mega-hit “Respect,” which became an anthem for both the civil rights and women’s movements.

And that song is on my mind as we embark on a week of action dedicated to shining light on the stakes for women in the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

Anti-worker Janus Case Boosts PEOPLE Membership

AFSCME members are joining PEOPLE to help fight the powerful forces trying to silence workers. Even though big corporations and big money led to an anti-worker Supreme Court decision, the Janus case isn’t stopping workers or their unions. Minnesota public workers aren’t just joining AFSCME Council 5, they’re joining PEOPLE or upping their contributions to help fight the powerful forces trying to silence workers.

AFSCME Endorses Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan

The AFSCME Council 5 Executive Board Thursday unanimously endorsed Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in the November election, along with a slate of other highly qualified candidates for state and federal office. The Executive Board is made up of members and elected by members.

A Seat at the Table for EMS Workers in Prescott, Arizona

Empty table with copies of Local 2960's final contract

Photo Credit: Local 2960

3. March 7th 2016

March 7, 2016 Meeting called to order @ 1300

Chairs: Jim Barbo, Gerald Firkus

Eboard: Erica Sandberg

Members: Eric Oquist

President’s Report: SEPC Conference on April 29th
U-P (2) pay at 1st step
(5) active investigations
(1) 3rd step heard move forward

Secretary’s Report: Motion to accept as read
1st Eric Oquist
2nd Erica Sandberg
Carried to next meeting

Treasure’s Report: Motion to accept as read, passed Accept pending audit
Pay normal expenditures
1st Eric Oquist
2nd Erica Sandberg

For Working Women, This is Not a Close Call

The Janus case was an attempt to deliver a knockout blow to millions of working people and their families who looked to the Supreme Court as an independent institution that advances equal rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

Statement: America Needs Unions Now More than Ever

On the heels of high profile walkouts, new organizing and spiking approval for unions, union leaders see the SCOTUS decision as a rallying point to unrig the economy and put workers first.

‘We Wouldn’t Have Anything If It Weren’t for Our Union’

When he first took a job at the Centralia Correctional Center in Illinois, Keith Kracht knew that a career in public service wouldn’t make him a millionaire. But then again, that’s not why he went into public service.