AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued a statement in recognition of Public Service Recognition Week, which occurs from May 4 to May 11. The statement highlights the importance of public service workers across the United States, noting their role in ensuring community safety, health, and progress.
“During Public Service Recognition Week,” Saunders said, “we honor working people across America who keep our communities safe, healthy, and moving forward. We are proud to call 1.4 million of them AFSCME members, and we are grateful every day for their selfless choice to spend their careers serving others.” He emphasized the significant contributions of public service workers, such as facilitating access to health care, providing clean water, maintaining safe roads, and being reliable frontline heroes in emergencies.
Saunders stressed the need to protect public service workers’ rights to have a voice in their workplace, to fair wages and benefits, and to safe working environments. He criticized the influence of wealthy individuals and anti-union entities on government policy, claiming they aim to adjust the tax code to their benefit by cutting essential federal funds. These funds, he argued, support the roles of nurses, child care workers, school bus drivers, corrections officers, and other key public service positions.
“AFSCME members refuse to stand idly by while billionaire bullies rob our communities and force working people to pay the price,” Saunders continued. He declared a collective effort among union members to organize, engage with coworkers, welcome new members, and advocate for public services crucial to community well-being and democratic foundation.
Saunders concluded by affirming, “This week – and every week – we proudly say that public service is worth fighting for.”
