AFGE Urges Congress to Avoid Government Shutdown
September 18, 2023
AFGE is urging members of Congress not to repeat the same mistakes they made a few years ago.
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On Labor Day, AFGE Celebrates Accomplishments, Renews Commitment
August 28, 2023
Categories:
The Insider
Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September. It’s the day to honor and remember working people who’ve fought for workers’ rights in the workplace. It’s also the day to celebrate the labor movement’s major accomplishments on behalf of all Americans: Eight-hour workday. Weekends without work. Lunch breaks. Minimum wage. Sick leave. Paid vacation. Child labor laws. Workers’ compensation. Workplace safety and regulations. Employer-paid health insurance. Pensions. Overtime pay. The list goes on.
These successes did not happen overnight. Union members fought every day to win these common-sense changes to make our economy work for everyone and not just a select few.
Here at AFGE, the largest union representing federal employees, what our union and members do has a far-reaching effect across the country. When due process in the federal government is threatened, for example, it sends a chilling effect to all workers across the country. Indeed, President Reagan’s unprecedented firing of more than 11,000 air traffic controllers encouraged private employers to do the same to striking workers.
When AFGE members speak out about staffing shortages at the Social Security Administration, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and others, it helps to spotlight a major issue that prevents the American people from getting the services they deserve. When government employees have the resources and support they need to do their jobs, everyone wins, which is why AFGE remains committed to advocating for fully staffed and funded government agencies.
As we celebrate Labor Day, here are some of the victories AFGE members have won so far this year to make the government a better place to work and government services better for the American people:
- TSA workers in July received their first paycheck with an increase of up to 31%, thanks to AFGE’s relentless fight. Besides the historic pay increase, we also won expanded workplace rights under Title 5 which covers most federal employees.
- AFGE and the Department of Veterans Affairs signed a new contract that defends critical protections for VA workers while modernizing the hiring process.
- AFGE Local 1239 signed a new contract covering nurses who transferred to the newly created Defense Health Agency (DHA).
- AFGE and the VA reached a settlement in which nearly 5,000 VA employees were wrongfully disciplined and terminated under the controversial firing law enacted in June 2017.
- AFGE reached an agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), allowing 42,000 SSA employees nationwide to enjoy new workplace rights and protections.
- Federal employees working in Fresno, Calif., Reno, Nev., Rochester, New York, and Spokane, Wash. are slated to get a locality pay raise next year.
- The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation postponed its reorganization plan until next year to allow the agency and staff more time to work out details and make sure employees’ concerns are addressed.
- Employees at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an independent United States government international development agency, voted to form a union with AFGE as their representative. The new local already had an early win on pay as it was preparing to start contract negotiations.
- The Supreme Court ruled in favor of AFGE, preserving collective bargaining rights for dual-status technicians working for National Guards in a civilian role.
Ready to be a part of the movement that fights for better pay, benefits, and working conditions? Join AFGE today!
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