News

Report: Cultural institutions took federal money but still let go of workers

Some of the nation’s largest cultural institutions accepted more than $1.6 billion in federal help to weather the coronavirus pandemic, but continued to let go of workers – even though the assistan

AFSCME joins Poor People’s Campaign virtual event, a ‘call for moral revival’

AFSCME joined a virtual gathering of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, a movement that seeks to shift the moral narrative of our country and build power for poor and vulnerable people.

City Unions draft letter to City Council

June 2020

The City Unions for the City of Portland draft a letter for Safety and Health for all their members and  all of the City of Portland Employees.

The letter (attached below) was sent to the City Council asking the council and other City leaders to implement key safety measures and to elevate these concerns with the hope of preventing future illnesses and exposure in regards to the COVID19 pandemic. 

Attached below is the letter that was sent. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the local stewards or leadership.

Letter to City, County & Metro Leaders on Black Lives Matter Movement

On June 10th, 2020 this letter below was sent by several Portland area Union Leaders in support of the need for change, specifically in regard to Racism and the Black Lives Matter Movement.

The letter was reviewed by the 189 Executive Board, our President and Secretary-Treasurer are signatories to the statement. 

AFSCME Praises Supreme Court Ruling Protecting LGBTQ Workers

AFSCME praised today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that extends protections under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to millions of LGBTQ workers.

In a statement, AFSCME President Lee Saunders said such protections are long overdue and represent an important step in the fight for equality and justice for all workers.

Economists with Diverse Views Agree: Federal Aid to States, Cities, Towns Is Needed Now

Economists of diverse backgrounds, who might otherwise disagree on a range of policy issues, spoke with a single voice on Monday on the need for Congress to provide robust aid to states, cities and towns.

Such aid, they said, is crucial in the midst of an economic crisis that is decimating state and local budgets and threatening essential public services that are critical to beating the pandemic and jumpstarting the economy.

Local 189/DCTU ratified Tentative Agreement

On June 3rd, 2020  The DCTU (Local 189) ratified Tentative Agreement (with an 87% approval) for the COVID-19 Impacts.

If you want to know more about the details of what’s going on or have questions please reach out to your Reps or Stewards or Leadership.

The Agreement is attached here.

During National EMS Week, Thank First Responders with More Than Words

As New York City became the epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic, emergency medical services (EMS) professionals, including AFSCME member Laura Hartnett, were working 16-hour shifts instead of their normal eight-hour shifts to respond to the flood of emergency calls.

Across the country in California, AFSCME member Blake

Honoring AFSCME Public Safety Members During Law Enforcement Week

During Law Enforcement Week, we honor public safety officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We also recognize the unique role that first responders like AFSCME law enforcement members play during times of crisis.