Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tenn., where he traveled to support AFSCME sanitation workers fighting for fair wages and recognition of their union: AFSCME Local 1733.
Dr. King did not live to see the full realization of his dream. Nonetheless, the cause of equality and economic justice to which he dedicated his life remains as relevant today as it was four decades ago.
Our country has made definite progress toward ensuring the doors of the American Dream are open to all. As Pres. Barack Obama said in his inaugural speech, this is “why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”
But the fact of the matter is this: when it comes to completely fulfilling Dr. King’s dream of an America with abundant opportunity and shared prosperity and when it comes to making sure the American Dream really is in reach for all, this nation still has a lot of work to do.
When 47 million Americans lacking health insurance and those who have it see their premiums skyrocket beyond their means, it’s clear that we need quality, affordable health care for all.
When national unemployment stands at 8.5 percent, we need to stop layoffs and ease the burden on state and local governments so they can keep providing vital public services in times of need.
When the middle class continues to get squeezed out of existence, and more than half of U.S. workers – 60 million – say they would join a union if they could, we must give them this possibility. We need the Employee Free Choice Act to restore the freedom to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions without harassment from employers.
In other words, we must create an America that lives up to its ideals – the ideals expressed in Dr. King’s dream.
In the next 96 hours a key vote will take place in the Missouri House—an anti-worker bill called HJR 37 will be heard. This bill would strip workers of the right to decide how they choose a union. HJR 37 is supported by out of state big business—would allow corporations to keep the playing field stacked against workers attempting to form a union. Take action now! |
(Jefferson City, MO) Dozens of State Employees represented by AFSCME Council 72 came together in Jefferson City to begin organizing for upcoming contract negotiations with the State of Missouri. While in Jefferson City AFSCME leaders and activist focused on building the union’s strength in three key areas: contract negotiations, organizing members, and political action.
Bargaining a strong contract
AFSCME leaders outlined a plan of action for negotiating a fair and strong contract with the State of Missouri. Members focused on negotiating policies that will allow them to deliver quality public services in a safe work environment. During the hours of discussion and planning the members identified several high priority areas; recognizing the value of workers with seniority and experience, the ability of workers to use sick leave and compensatory time free of management harassment, binding arbitration of grievances, controlling members health care costs, the choice of compensatory time or payment for overtime worked, and improving the safety standards for workers and clients.
Building Our Strength in the Shop
Leaders developed strategies for increasing union strength and membership in the workplace. Over 30 of the participants signed up as Volunteer Member Organizers (VMO) to help build power in the workplace and increase union membership in every local union.
Taking Political Action
As part of AFSCME Council 72’s expanding Political Action program Missouri State Workers debriefed the 2008 General Election, and looked towards 2010. Members discussed AFSCME’s successes in 2008 including the landslide victory of AFSCME Council 72’s top targeted candidate Governor Jay Nixon.
Members also identified their top political priorities for expanding AFSCME Council 72’s influence in the political arena. AFSCME leaders identified multiple priorities for their political program including having State Legislators make visits to the worksite to see the quality services AFSCME members provide. Leaders recognized the need for a large presence at our April 22nd state-wide lobby day as a top priority and stepped up with 30 commitments to attend. Leaders also made commitments to bring their co-workers to the capital and advocate for the services AFSCME members provide.
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 02, 2009
Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee on the Nomination of Governor Kathleen Sebelius to be Secretary of Health and Human Services
"President Obama has made a great choice with Kathleen Sebelius to head the Department of Health and Human Services. She understands health care from top to bottom. AFSCME has worked closely with Governor Sebelius in Kansas and we know that she has the talent and commitment to lead the fight for affordable, quality health care for all. She's earned her reputation for working closely with both parties to get real results for people. We look forward to working with her in the months ahead as we fight to win health care once and for all."
AFSCME's 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members 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 prosperity 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
