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Blogs

A Message for Labor Day

From the Greenline: The AFSCME Blog

September 4th, 2009

AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee

On Labor Day 2009, we honor the tremendous contributions and sacrifices of workers who built this great nation.  We must never forget that workers organized, marched, went on strike, and even gave their lives in the struggles that resulted in the 40-hour workweek, safe working conditions, secure retirement benefits and the right to a voice on the job.  Workers are the bedrock of this economy and we have been at the heart of every movement for social justice and civil rights in our country.

This is the first Labor Day in decades that we celebrate without the voice and leadership of our beloved friend Sen. Ted Kennedy.  On every issue that we care about, Senator Kennedy was at the forefront.  From civil rights to health care, from education to national security, right to the end, Ted was our strongest advocate.  On this Labor Day, we mourn the passing of a giant — the Lion of the Senate.



First Day of Bargaining Set For September 22nd!

 

September 6th, 2009

The first day of bargaining for state employees represented by AFSCME has been set for September 22nd. The AFSCME bargaining team, comprised of members from all across the state, have developed 10 priorities for creating safe, high quality, and effective delivery of services.

You can view a printable summary of the AFSCME Top 10 Proposals by clicking here. 

 



Join AFSCME's Healthcare for All Campaign

We can’t fix the economy of America without fixing the health care system.”
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Fixing the economy means fixing health care. Our current health care system is broken and taking a huge toll on the economy. According to a report released by the Department of Health and Human Services in March, U.S. health care spending doubled between 1996 and 2006. And premiums are through the roof.

As AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee has said: “The cost of health care coverage has skyrocketed. It threatens the economic security of working families, it strains state and federal budgets and it reduces the competitiveness of American businesses. We need an American solution in which all of us – individuals, employers and government – share responsibility for guaranteeing quality, affordable health care we can all count on.”

Fixing the economy means fixing health care. We can’t afford to be at the mercy of the insurance industry anymore. We need quality, affordable health care for all that protects good health benefits, brings down skyrocketing costs and provides comprehensive coverage options to insured and uninsured families – including the choice of a quality public health insurance plan.



Young Workers Face Challenges and Present Opportunities

Young Workers: A Lost Decade

September 4, 2009

Today young workers are less likely to have health care or economic security than they were 10 years ago, and one-third live in their parents’ home, according to a new national survey released by the AFL-CIO.

  • 31 percent of young workers report being uninsured, up from 24 percent 10 years ago, and 79 percent of those without health care coverage say it’s because they can’t afford it or their employer does not offer it.
  • One in three young workers live at home with their parents.
  • Only 31 percent say they make enough money to cover their bills and put some money aside — 22 percentage points fewer than in 1999.

Young workers are facing many new challenges on the job, especially during this recession. AFSCME joins the AFL-CIO in working with young union members to build the labor movement, revitalize the economy, and to pass health care reform and the Employee Free Choice Act.



AFSCME Launches “Highway to Health Care Reform” Tour

AFSCME Highway to Health Care

Rocks and Rolls for Reform During August Recess

Washington, D.C. —  The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO (AFSCME) today announced the Highway to Health Care Reform campaign, a rock and roll theme RV tour that will crisscross the country during the August congressional recess.

The Highway to Health Care Reform RV will travel through key states to mobilize the public to contact their members of Congress to demand real reform that guarantees quality, affordable health care for all.

“AFSCME will make the voices of Americans demanding real health care reform heard in the halls of Congress,” said AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee.



In a historic election -13,000 Home Care Attendants Vote to Form Union to Improve Services for Seniors, People with Disabilities

 

 

Creating good home care jobs will help ensure quality home care and save taxpayer dollars

 

Placing Missouri on a path toward improved healthcare for thousands of its seniors and people with disabilities, 13,000 home care attendants in Missouri’s consumer directed home care program have voted to join the Missouri Home Care Union, a statewide union of home care attendants.

 

The vote passed by a landslide margin of 85% Yes to 15% No.

 

Billie Jean Huggins MO Home Care Worker “I’m thrilled. This is fantastic news for Missourians who need home care and for caregivers like me,” said Salem attendant Threasa Bach. “The next step is to join forces with consumers to make home care better and available to more Missourians.”

 

Home care attendants from across the state voted in the historic election through special mail-in ballot starting on June 29. The election was conducted by the state Board of Mediation and was the largest of its kind in Missouri history.

 

Currently, home care attendants do not have health insurance benefits, despite being caregivers themselves. They also receive no sick days or vacation time. Many of the consumers in the state struggle to keep caregivers on the job, as 40-60% of attendants leave their positions every year for jobs with benefits or higher compensation.

 



Senator Jolie Justus Tours Western Missouri Mental Health Center

On June 24th Senator Jolie Justus visited Western Missouri Mental Health Center to see first hand the working conditions of AFSCME Council 72 members. The tour was lead by AFSCME member Gwen Williams. Senator Justus toured most of the facility including dietary facilities, the recreation area, and two direct care units. The Senator was also interested in touring the Emergency Room that was recently taken over by Truman Medical Center. Unfortunately the tour was not allowed to tour the E.R. housed at WMMHC.

 

During her visit the Senator spoke with many AFSCME members who expressed concerns with issues such as short staffing and mandated overtime. Senator Justice was concerned that the typical staffing ratio at WMMHC is 4:1 while an ideal ratio for clients and staff would be 6:1. 

 

After seeing AFSCME Council 72 members’ working conditions Senator Justus committed to urging Governor Nixon to work with AFSCME Council 72 in upcoming contract negations to address these problems, and to look into the Emergency Room operated by Truman Medical Center.

 



Represenatative Chappelle- Nadal Visits Hawthorne Childrens Psychiatric Hospital

On June 26th Rep. Maria Chappelle- Nadal visited AFSCME Council 72 members at Hawthorn Children’s Psychiatric Hospital to see first hand AFSCME members working conditions. Rep. Chappelle- Nadal has a personal connection to Hawthorne as her Grandmother was a volunteer at the facility before the program was discontinued. Before joining the State Legislature the Representative was also a state employee which makes her particularly interested in AFSCME members' working conditions. 

 

High on Rep. Chappelle- Nadal’s priority list was hearing about seniority issues with state workers. When she was told that seniority was not being followed and past time working for the state no longer counts toward seniority after time off working in the private sector she said "that's my first bill next session."

 

The tour was lead by AFSCME members John Norman and Penny McGee and they visited every part of the facility. On the tour the Representative spoke with many members who spoke to her about staffing and overtime issues. The Representative assured AFSCME Council 72 members that she would support them in upcoming contract negations.