On Tuesday, leaders from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and various union partners collaborated with members of Congress to reintroduce the bipartisan Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. This legislation, first introduced in 2019, aims to secure a nationwide minimum standard for collective bargaining rights for public service workers, currently denied in 25 states.
AFSCME, along with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communications Workers of America (CWA), and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), held a press conference emphasizing the importance of the bill in light of ongoing opposition public service workers face.
AFSCME President Lee Saunders stated, “Passing this legislation has never been more urgent — especially now, as federal workers face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights.” He emphasized the bill represents fundamental respect for public service workers and their rights to negotiate.
Highlighting the benefits of collective bargaining, Eliana Holgate, an AFSCME Council 3 member, noted her positive experience in Maryland: “Because we were able to pass a bill to expand collective bargaining…my co-workers and I negotiated a strong contract.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler pointed out that many workers in the U.S. are unable to collectively bargain, saying, “In half of the country, the people who keep our cities and towns running are banned from collectively bargaining for a good union contract.”
Senator Mazie Hirono remarked on the essential roles public sector workers play, advocating for their right to organize and receive federal protection. She stated, “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act will help ensure that millions of public sector workers across our country have the federal protections they deserve.”
Congressman Donald Norcross, reflecting on his personal experiences with collective bargaining, supported the urgency of the bill: “This bill ensures public-sector workers across the country have that same right to a voice on the job and a seat at the table.”
Representative Chris Deluzio highlighted the importance of solidarity and the universal right to unionize: “Public servants should have this right, just like other workers.”
Communications Workers of America President Claude Cummings Jr. emphasized the deterioration of workers’ rights in recent years and the necessity of the proposed legislation, stating, “Congress needs to step up and pass this now.”
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, discussed how the bill would empower public service workers, explaining, “Whether it’s higher wages, safer working conditions, or a secure retirement, the ability to organize a union and bargain collectively lifts working families, students, patients, and entire communities up.”
