For Immediate Release

Contact: Nick Voutsinos
Email: nvoutsinos@afscme.org

AFSCME’s Saunders: The 911 SAVES Act will give emergency dispatchers the permanent recognition they’ve earned

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which is happening April 14-20, 2024:

“911 dispatchers aren’t seen, but they are heard in every crisis. They are the calm voice in the storm, supporting people in their time of need. It takes poise and composure to coordinate an emergency response when seconds can mean the difference between life and death. But they get the job done, saving countless lives every single day.
 

“Currently, 911 dispatchers are designated as ‘administrative and clerical workers’ under federal law. The 911 SAVES Act, authored by former 911 dispatcher and AFSCME member Rep. Norma Torres, would right this wrong by finally classifying dispatchers as the protective service workers they are. With the proper status, 911 dispatchers could be eligible for more funding that would boost training and recruitment for call centers, which is crucial to addressing staffing shortages. For National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we call on Congress to honor these workers with action and pass the 911 SAVES Act.”

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AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families. 

AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.

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American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
Telephone: (202) 429-1145
Fax: (202) 429-1120

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