Health Care Archive

January 13, 2021

Health experts reassure union members that COVID vaccines are safe, effective

A roundtable of experts discuss COVID-19 vaccines, their safety and their efficacy with union members.

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January 12, 2021

AFSCME nurses shine as their sacrifices for their communities continue in pandemic

AFSCME nurses are shining in the spotlight as they continue to make huge sacrifices while serving on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

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December 22, 2020

Early coronavirus vaccine recipient feels optimistic about what lies ahead

Myo Thant, a front-line worker in Seattle and a member of Council 28, is one of the first AFSCME members to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

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December 10, 2020

AFSCME respiratory therapist in remarks to Congress: ‘I want you to wear a mask’

Ramon Williams, a member of AFSCME Florida Council 79, participated in a congressional listening session about the challenges front-line workers have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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December 07, 2020

Western New Yorkers claim victory for retiree health benefits

By banding together with one purpose, AFSCME members in Western New York were able to protect retiree health care – a testament to their solidarity.

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November 24, 2020

Western New York workers rally to save retiree health care benefits

Members of two local unions in Western NY are fighting back against taking away retiree benefits to cut city costs.

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November 10, 2020

In the middle of a pandemic, Trump threatens health care for millions of Americans

In the middle of a pandemic, the Trump administration is helping 18 states' attorneys general to take away health care from millions of Americans.

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October 30, 2020

Harris urges union members to vote, show their power

Sen. Kamala Harris joined AFSCME President Lee Saunders and AFT President Randi Weingarten in a tele-town hall Thursday night to urge people to vote.

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October 27, 2020

With Coney Barrett confirmation, Senate majority continues its ‘power games’

AFSCME President Lee Saunders calls the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett a corrupt political game.

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October 23, 2020

In final debate, Biden offers unity, clear path forward

In the final presidential debate, Joe Biden promised to fund the front lines, offering a vision of unity and a comprehensive path forward.

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October 21, 2020

Amid pandemic, AFSCME members deal with painful loss

Hear from AFSCME members who have lost loved ones to COVID-19.

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October 16, 2020

Listen to the people, reject Coney Barrett

The Senate should reject the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett and let the American people decide who should pick the next Supreme Court justice.

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October 14, 2020

Priority should be funding front-line workers, not fast-tracking anti-worker judge

OCSEA’s Chris Mabe appealed to the Senate to fund the front lines rather than ramming through Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination.

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October 13, 2020

Health care and the presidential election

The latest “Union 411: 2020 Election Special” video takes a look at where the candidates for president stand on health care.

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October 13, 2020

Hispanic Heritage Month event chronicles battles, victories and voting

A virtual Hispanic Heritage Month event recounts the battles and victories of Latinos, and the importance of voting this Nov. 3.

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October 09, 2020

‘Health care is a human right’: Why AFSCME members are turning to Biden for leadership

With Joe Biden as president, health care will be expanded and protected.

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October 08, 2020

VP debate affirms why Biden, Harris are the right choices for America’s families

Vice presidential debate offers further proof why America should choose Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

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September 30, 2020

At first presidential debate, Biden shows why he’s the only choice for working families

Through the noise of the presidential debate one clear signal emerged: Joe Biden is the only choice for working families.

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September 28, 2020

We oppose Trump’s Supreme Court nominee

AFSCME opposes President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, whose record on the bench is one of clear hostility to our union's core values.

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September 16, 2020

COVID-19 deaths lower in unionized nursing homes

A new study found that nursing homes that are unionized had fewer COVID-19 deaths.

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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 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 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 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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April 21, 2020

‘TikTok Doc’ Has the Moves Down. He is Just What the Doctor Ordered For These Tough Times.

This “TikTok doctor,” an AFSCME Oregon member, is giving people a reason to smile during these grim times.

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April 17, 2020

Continuing to Serve Special Needs Individuals During the Pandemic

Serving Hawaii residents who have physical and intellectual disabilities is proving to be particularly difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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April 16, 2020

‘This is what we are called to do’: Inside a Drive-Up COVID-19 Testing Facility

AFSCME members in Manchester, New Hampshire, are staffing a drive-up coronavirus testing site. They have tested more than 800 people and counting.

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April 09, 2020

At COVID-19 Town Hall, Biden Praises Public Service Workers and Their Unions

At a virtual town hall on the challenges stemming from the COVID-19 crisis, former Vice President Joe Biden praised public service workers and their unions for their response to the outbreak.

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April 06, 2020

‘We Will Emerge Stronger Because of Your Heroic Work’

During a tele-town hall on Saturday, AFSCME President Lee Saunders thanked members for doing heroic work during this pandemic and told them how AFSCME has their backs.

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April 03, 2020

Behavioral Health Workers Share Challenges of Treatment During COVID-19 Pandemic

AFSCME Council 28 member Mike Yestramski, president of WFSE, described some of the challenges facing behavioral health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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