AFGE has surpassed our organizing goal for the year, ending July with a net gain of 1,500.
Although we set a goal to reach by December, AFGE members surpassed the goal five months early as government workers continued to seek the empowerment and a voice on the job that come with union membership.
AFGE’s goal for this year is a net gain of 8,000 members with a new goal of another 10,000 by this time next year.
“How did we do it? Together,” said AFGE Membership and Organization Director Dave Cann. “TSA is growing because their long-term efforts for pay equity and a robust contract have paid off, and people are joining to have a voice. The National VA Council spent years fighting to keep the strongest contract in government, and folks are joining to be a part of the winning team and see their power grow. SSA is mobilized to fight for a better future and folks want to be a part of the effort. DoD is growing and taking in Defense Health Agency units. Our locals are busy, and the organizers are working hard as ever.”
AFGE’s organizing success comes as the American public’s opinion about labor unions is at the highest level since 1965 – 71% of Americans say they approve of unions, according to the most recent Gallup poll. That’s because unions make a difference in workers’ quality of life. Unionized workers earn more than their non-union counterparts. They enjoy more benefits, safer working conditions, job security, and voice on the job.
Cann said AFGE is not only growing, but our rate of growth is accelerating. The growth, however, wouldn’t be happening if we weren’t also building power and explaining to people that they can exercise that power through the union.
“AFGE is by nature a union of growth. Before being hobbled by the last administration’s Executive Orders, which aimed to kill us, we’ve always grown - 27 years straight. We’ve returned to form, and our long heritage of viewing our numbers as our power.”
We’re Not Done Yet
Even though we’ve surpassed our yearly organizing goal, AFGE members aren’t resting on our laurels. We’re setting a new, higher goal and keeping the pressure on. To learn more about how you can help AFGE continue growing, building worker power, and delivering for union members, visit afge.org/RISE.
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