Throughout my son’s long career at AFSCME, there have been countless times when I’ve seen Lee proudly wearing an AFSCME T-shirt. Often, these T-shirts feature slogans like “Rise Up” and “Never Quit.”
To Lee, these are much more than just slogans. They’re principles that guide him as president of AFSCME. As his mom, the meaning behind these phrases evoke a long and powerful legacy within our family.
Working in the Mental Health Department at Jackson Memorial Hospital is no easy task. Just ask Armando Vasquez, a 17 year veteran employee who has seen it all. "I've been kicked, punched, bitten, attacked with chairs, it's all part of the job," he said. Vasquez's position as a Mental Health Technician entails caring for patients who are may be experiencing psychotic episodes or bouts of drug induced aggression. These patients are often volatile and can pose a danger to themselves and others.
“Labor Day is a time for our nation to celebrate the working people’s efforts to get their fair share of the American Dream. I’m proud of the work public employees give to make Florida what it is today. During these difficult times our country is facing, we need real leadership. There is no doubt that Joe Biden believes in the workers who keep America moving forward.
Public approval of labor unions is at its highest level in 17 years, with nearly two out of three Americans (65%) expressing support of unions, according to the latest Gallup poll.
AFSCME members Dawn Bundick of Alaska and Chris Woloscuk of Florida are veterans and public service employees – two facts that make them especially vulnerable as the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the U.S. economy.
If Congress fails to provide at least $1 trillion in federal aid to struggling states, cities, towns and school districts, millions of state and local government workers could be shown the door as their employers struggle to cope with plummeting tax revenues.
