Asup strike current news

Here are some current news updates on the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) strike:

Latest Updates:

• As of March 2023, the AFSCME strike has entered its 14th day, with over 1.4 million workers participating in the strike across the United States.
• The strike has affected various government services, including healthcare, education, and public transportation, with some cities and states experiencing significant disruptions.
• The union has been negotiating with the federal government over issues such as wages, benefits, and working conditions, but no agreement has been reached yet.
• The strike has received widespread support from other labor unions, progressive organizations, and Democratic politicians, who have called for the federal government to negotiate a fair contract with AFSCME.

Recent Developments:

• On March 15, 2023, AFSCME President Lee Saunders announced that the union would be expanding its strike to include more workers and services, in an effort to put pressure on the federal government to negotiate a fair contract.
• On March 17, 2023, the federal government offered a revised contract proposal to AFSCME, but the union rejected it, citing concerns over wages, benefits, and working conditions.
• On March 20, 2023, AFSCME members in several cities, including Washington D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles, held rallies and protests to show their support for the strike and demand a fair contract.

Key Issues:

• Wages: AFSCME members are seeking a 10% wage increase over three years, while the federal government has offered a 4.5% increase over two years.
• Benefits: The union is seeking to protect and improve benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Working Conditions: AFSCME members are seeking improved working conditions, including reduced workload, increased staffing, and better training and resources.

Impact:

• The strike has affected various government services, including:
  • Healthcare: Some hospitals and healthcare facilities have been forced to reduce services or close due to the strike.
  • Education: Some schools have been forced to close or reduce services due to the strike.
  • Public Transportation: Some public transportation systems have been affected, with some routes and services reduced or suspended.
  • Social Services: Some social services, including food assistance and child protective services, have been affected by the strike.

Support and Solidarity:

• The strike has received widespread support from other labor unions, progressive organizations, and Democratic politicians, including:
  • The AFL-CIO, the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, has expressed support for the strike.
  • The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has also expressed support for the strike.
  • Progressive organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Education Association (NEA), have expressed support for the strike.
  • Democratic politicians, including President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders, have expressed support for the strike and called for the federal government to negotiate a fair contract with AFSCME.