AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued a statement this week, assessing the initial 100 days of the Trump administration’s second term. Saunders highlighted what he described as a series of challenges facing working people and unions.
“During the campaign, Trump promised to put working people first, lower rising costs on groceries and gas and preserve our earned benefits and health care,” Saunders stated. He criticized the administration’s first 100 days as being filled with “lies, broken promises, and a relentless assault on working people and unions.”
Saunders expressed concerns about the administration’s policies, stating, “He has handed over the reins of government to billionaires — appointing the wealthiest cabinet in American history.” He also mentioned the trade war and its impact on prices, as well as attacks on Social Security and Medicaid.
Other issues pointed out by Saunders included cuts to collective bargaining rights for federal employees, closing Social Security offices, and the halting of vital health and safety regulations. “People are watching their retirement savings shrink,” Saunders noted.
Additionally, the AFSCME president warned of potential future Medicaid cuts, which he believes could “upend our entire health care system.”
Highlighting efforts in response to these concerns, Saunders said, “Workers across the country are organizing with AFSCME to build real people power.” He mentioned that thousands of public service workers have joined AFSCME this year, and detailed activities such as town halls and mobilization efforts.
Saunders also outlined the union’s legal actions, stating, “In the courts, AFSCME is fighting to stop the mass firings of federal employees, safeguard Americans’ Social Security data,” among other issues.
He concluded with a reminder of the workforce’s historical contribution: “No matter how this administration attempts to reframe and erase history, we will never forget: It is working people who are the backbone of this nation.”
