(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Public Service Workers are under assault and need their Elected Representatives in Washington, D.C. to step up and protect them. That’s why the National AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) on Tuesday (April 8th) announced the reintroduction of the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act - which would restore Collective Bargaining Rights to Public Sector Workers across 25 States, giving these Essential Workers the voice on the job they deserve.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders praised Pro-Worker Lawmakers for reintroducing the important Bill, which would set a minimum nationwide standard of Collective Bargaining Rights that States must provide Public Service Workers: “Passing this legislation has never been more urgent - especially now, as Federal Workers face unprecedented attacks on their Collective Bargaining Rights. We believe, as most Americans do, that every Worker deserves a Union - no matter who they work for. This Bill is about something fundamental - respect for Public Service Workers who’ve devoted their careers to serving their communities. And respect means the freedom to negotiate.” 

Joining Saunders at a Capitol Hill press conference was Eliana Holgate, a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist and a member of AFSCME Maryland Council 3. Holgate said she and her Co-Workers have a strong contract and are better able to serve children and families because of their ability to collectively bargain.

Said Holgate: “Because we were able to pass a Bill to expand collective bargaining in Maryland, my Co-Workers and I negotiated a strong contract, which will help us keep up the rising cost of living, effectively address issues in the workplace and better serve the children of Howard County and their families. We should not have to rely on a patchwork of laws nationwide. Workers like our Nurses, School Bus Drivers and Library Workers should have the freedom to join a Union and have the Union we choose recognized.”

In the face of unprecedented, billionaire-led attacks on Public Service Workers and their jobs, the bipartisan Bill would give every Public Service Worker the right to negotiate, something denied to Public Service Workers in 25 states.

The Bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (Democrat-Hawaii) and U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (Democrat-New Jersey), Brian Fitzpatrick (Republican-Pennsylvania) and Chris Deluzio (Democrat-Pennsylvania).

The Bill was first introduced in Congress in 2019.

Since then, public support for Labor Unions has increased and remained near historic highs.

Americans understand that communities are stronger when Workers are free to collectively bargain and can use their voice on the job without fear of retaliation, those at the news conference said. 

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Workers need the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act — especially now | American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)