COVID-19 Archive

July 06, 2020

Workers filed more than 4,100 complaints about protective gear. Some still died.

OSHA is supposed to protect workers. But an investigation finds federal and state OSHA officials closed many complaints without taking action – despite a number of worker deaths.

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July 01, 2020

176 groups to the U.S. Senate: Pass state, local aid to ‘maintain essential services’

It’s not just AFSCME saying it. A coalition of 176 groups – including our union – has written to the Senate, urgently seeking state and local aid.

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July 01, 2020

The Senate should not kick unemployed workers when they are down

Unless the U.S. Senate extends a $600 weekly unemployment supplement, workers who lost their jobs in the COVID-19 pandemic will see a sharp drop in benefits come Aug. 1.

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June 30, 2020

Freedom Foundation, yet again, shows it values politics over lives.

The right-wing Freedom Foundation is again up to its old tricks – playing politics with working people.

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June 29, 2020

AFSCME Local 4041 members file unfair labor practice complaint against State of Nevada

Nevada’s governor is unilaterally trying to lay off state workers and AFSCME Local 4041 members are having none of it.

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June 26, 2020

Yes. Seriously. Trump wants to kill the Affordable Care Act – in the midst of a pandemic

In the midst of one of the worst health care crises in this country, President Trump wants to kill the Affordable Care Act.

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June 26, 2020

CT paraprofessionals vote to build power through AFSCME Council 4

COVID-19 shutdown? No problem. In Connecticut, 130 paraprofessionals found a way to form a union despite school closures.

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June 24, 2020

‘The anger is blinding’

DC 37 member and New York paramedic discusses fighting the coronavirus pandemic in a powerful first-person account published by the Washington Post.

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June 24, 2020

KY poll shows overwhelming support for federal aid to states, cities, towns

A new AFSCME poll shows Kentucky voters overwhelmingly want Congress to provide aid to Kentucky’s state and local governments and maintain public services.

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June 23, 2020

AFSCME joins Poor People’s Campaign virtual event, a ‘call for moral revival’

AFSCME participated in the Poor People's Campaign, a movement that picks up on the unfinished work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and aims to shift the moral narrative of our country.

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June 23, 2020

Alaska public service workers call for federal aid to keep communities safe

The U.S. Senate is getting an urgent, bipartisan request from state workers and lawmakers in Alaska – please provide state and local aid like the House has.

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June 22, 2020

Though shorthanded, AFSCME members smother wildfire, head off disaster

A forest fire got contained quickly thanks to the dedication of AFSCME Michigan members, but short-staffing may lead to tragic results the next time.

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June 17, 2020

Workers caravan brings together thousands to demand bold action from Congress

More than a thousand union members traveled to the nation’s capital to demand bold action resolve the crises facing our nation. Similar rallies were held nationwide.

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June 16, 2020

Nevada AFSCME members speak out on budget changes

AFSCME Local 4041 members are speaking out against the governor’s plan to furlough Nevada state employees.

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June 16, 2020

MN Behavioral Health Members Find Community Online, Build Union Strength

Rather than feeling isolated during the coronavirus pandemic., Minnesota’s behavioral health workers are strengthening their union bonds online.

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June 12, 2020

Biden: ‘AFSCME workers are holding this country together right now’

During a tele-town hall, Vice President Joe Biden joined AFSCME President Lee Saunders and AFSCME members to discuss recovery amid the pandemic and ways to tackle longstanding institutional racism.

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June 11, 2020

Continuing to protect Hawaii from invasive pests during the coronavirus pandemic

Hawaii’s plant quarantine inspectors safeguard the state’s unique ecology. Laying them off because of COVID-related funding shortages would harm the environment and the economy.

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June 09, 2020

HOPE members avert layoffs, seek Houston leaders’ support for state, local aid request

HOPE Local 123 members have averted thousands of layoffs in Houston and got some support from the Houston City Council to get state, local aid from Congress.

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June 08, 2020

Saunders joins AFSCME Maryland caravan to call on state leaders for justice, action

Honoring George Floyd and holding Gov. Larry Hogan accountable were the aims of a car caravan organized by AFSCME Maryland at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore.

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June 04, 2020

Urgent Investment in Public Health, Contact Tracers Workforce is Needed

AFSCME President Lee Saunders and two AFSCME contact tracer-members made the case for urgent investment in public health infrastructure.

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June 01, 2020

Economists with Diverse Views Agree: Federal Aid to States, Cities, Towns Is Needed Now

Economists who would disagree on policies found common ground on one thing – Congress needs to provide state, local aid.

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June 01, 2020

Saunders joins Families USA in calling for more federal aid, Medicaid funding

AFSCME President Lee Saunders joined health care advocates in urging Congress to provide more federal aid to states, cities and towns – including expanding Medicaid.

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May 29, 2020

Kentuckians Call for Robust Federal Aid

Kentucky’s leaders and dedicated public service workers called for urgent, direct federal aid to save their state and their communities.

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May 28, 2020

NV Senators, Front-Line Workers Call for State, Local Aid

Nevada’s U.S. senators and AFSCME Local 4041 members agree – it’s high time the Senate passes a federal aid package to states, cities and towns.

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May 28, 2020

A fiscal tsunami is headed for states, cities, towns. Why is the Senate still not acting?

States, cities and towns need help fast but the U.S. Senate refuses to act. Why?

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May 27, 2020

‘Every Day is Sign-a-Card Day:’ How One Local is Growing During COVID-19

Organizing workers is tough, and especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. But one Washington state local isn’t letting the crisis stand in the way.

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May 26, 2020

A Life of Service: One Man’s Mission to Put Others First

Oregon AFSCME member Michael Stewart volunteered to work in the COVID-19 unit at Oregon Health & Science University. Find out why he felt compelled to raise his hand.

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May 22, 2020

‘Public service workers are … crucial to fighting this pandemic’

Meet a New York City respiratory therapist who was sickened by COVID-19.

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May 22, 2020

‘It’s Like 9/11 Every Day’

A healthy New York City Fire Department EMS lieutenant for 25 years suddenly got sick with COVID-19. This is his story.

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May 21, 2020

U.S. Business Leaders Call on Senate to Help States, Cities and Towns

Leaders of leading U.S. businesses joined labor and government officials in urging Congress to do more to help states, cities and towns amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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