AFGE Remembers 9/11

Twelve years ago on September 11, 2001 the course of American history was changed forever. Union workers were there that day — working in the buildings that were struck, flying on the airplanes that were used as weapons, charging into the chaos in the seconds and minutes after the attacks to save as many lives as possible, and conducting rescue and recovery efforts in the hours and days that followed. Today, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) remembers all of those who perished in the horrific terrorist attacks and honors the survivors of that tragic day.  

Since 9/11, AFGE members continue to work on the frontlines to ensure safety for the American people. In spite of savage budget cuts, AFGE members at the Department of Defense continue to support our military’s mission; AFGE border patrol agents secure our borders; and AFGE Transportation Security Officers safeguard our air travel.  

“Our hearts are with the victims of the attacks on September 11, 2001. AFGE members are committed to protecting this country and ensuring that nothing like this ever happens again,” said AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr.

 

AFGE Receives LEED Certification for HQ Renovation

The American Federation of Government Employees today received its official Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

AFGE received LEED Gold status for renovations to the 10th floor of the headquarters building in Washington, D.C. The renovated floor features energy efficient technology and equipment and LED lighting to allow for significantly more natural light. The renovations were made without using harmful or noxious plastics or solvent odors, and 100% air quality testing was done prior to move-in.

AFGE is pursuing LEED certification as it renovates all of the floors it occupies in the building.

AFGE hopes its new energy-saving initiatives will lead to lower operating costs, a healthier staff, increased productivity and other incentives, AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. said.

We have made a commitment to be environmentally and fiscally responsible. We are looking for ways to make our older facility more modern.

A representative from the U.S. Green Building Council presented President Cox with the LEED plaque. Also on hand were representatives from E Construction Group, Ward Consultants, Green Capital Advisers and the District of Columbia Government.

Prior to the awards ceremony, E Construction Group treated AFGE headquarters staff to a breakfast of made-to-order omelettes and fresh fruit.

AFGE Member Testifies about the Impact of Sequestration and Furloughs

AFGE member Jennifer Cari-Green testifies about the impact of furloughs at the Senate Budget Committee hearing.

Last week, AFGE DoD Local 1502 member Jennifer-Cari Green testified about the impact of sequestration and furloughs at the Senate Budget Committee hearing. Jennifer is a single mother, college student, and secretary at the Madigan Army Medical Center. She discussed how being furloughed has made both her personal and professional life more challenging. “It is extremely difficult to come to work, and do justice to this job, to care for our patients with the level of compassion, patience, concern and courtesy they deserve when you know you don’t even have enough money to buy the bare necessities as a working adult. To know that all your efforts at being a hardworking, self-reliant, and dependable woman and mother are for naught,” says Jennifer.

Click here to see the video of Jennifer’s testimony. It begins at the 51:29 mark.

Click here to see photos from the testimony.

Below are the links to news articles featuring Jennifer’s testimony.

The News Tribune

The Fiscal Times

Family Security Matters

Army Times

Free Beacon

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Congratulations to AFGE’s 2013 Union Plus Scholarship Award Winners!

Congratulations to our 2013 Union Plus Scholarship award winners! Over 5,300 applications were received by Union Plus and AFGE had three students selected this year. Their great SAT scores, well-rounded studies, extracurricular activities, and understanding of the value of working families and union membership combined made them great picks!

Our first winner, Marthalyn Lamb from Birmingham, Alabama, comes from a family with three generations of involvement in the labor movement. Marthalyn’s father, David Lamb, is a member of AFGE Local 3024. Her goal is to become a nurse, because she has a passion for helping people. She was influenced by her brother who has autism to pursue nursing and dedicate her time towards caring for others.

Casie Phillips from Richland, Michigan is our next winner. Casie’s mother is Cynthia Phillips who is a member of AFGE Local 1626. Her family has a long-time dedication to unions as members, organizers, and activists. She believes, “unions bring about prosperity, ability, and unity.” Her values and ideals about unions will surely benefit her in her studies and career aspirations.

Kurtis Quillin from Floresville, Texas is our last winner. Kurtis’s father is Jeffery Quillin who is a member of AFGE Local 1004. His appreciation for unions stems from his father’s involvement in AFGE. He has a passion for athletics and wishes to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. He is involved in Boy Scouts, officiating youth sports, and announcing at sports games and on the radio. He has been passionate about sports broadcasting since he was in 6^th grade.

Congratulations again to Marthalyn, Casie, and Kurtis! AFGE commends you on your hard work and good luck with your studies!

AFGE commends decision to keep airplane knife ban in place

Decision to rescind proposed policy change is right one for TSOs, aviation workers and traveling public

The American Federation of Government Employees applauds the Obama administration’s decision today to rescind a policy change that would have allowed knives on airplanes for the first time since 9/11.

“This decision is the right one for the safety and security of every Transportation Security Officer, airline passenger and aviation employee,” AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. said.

AFGE is the exclusive representative for the more than 45,000 Transportation Security Officers who screen all commercial airline passengers, baggage and cargo.

“In addition to the lessons learned on 9/11 about the threat of terrorists armed with knives, our concern is for our members who are assaulted far too often by irate passengers. Keeping the knife ban will help keep those confrontations from escalating,” Cox said.

On May 6, AFGE was one of nine organizations representing over 400,000 aviation professionals, passengers and law enforcement officers that filed a legal petition with Transportation Security Administrator John Pistole and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, urging them to rescind the policy change and keep the knife ban in place.

“I commend Secretary Napolitano and Administrator Pistole for listening to our concerns and having the wisdom to withdraw this proposal in light of the grave safety and security risks to our members at TSA, to the flying public and aviation employees,” Cox said.

 

 

AFGE Granted First Ever Department of Justice Sexual Harassment Class Action Suit

Bureau of Prisons Local 506 was successfully granted the first ever class action sexual harassment case at the Department of Justice. More than 360 women at the Coleman Federal Prison in Florida were subjected to daily harassment by male prisoners at the facility and management failed to take action. This is a huge victory for not only AFGE but for the entire labor movement.

Source: http://www.wftv.com/videos/news/alleged-cover-ups-at-prison/v3qgs/

Click here to read more about the case from The Miami Herald.

AFGE member shares furlough story on “Inside Government”

Listen Now! 

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” as a union member speaks out on the impact of being furloughed. The show, which originally aired on Friday, May 24, is now available on demand.

AFGE Environmental Protection Agency Local 704 member Elizabeth Lytle, a cancer survivor and disabled veteran, described her experiences as a federal employee going through sequestration, including the financial and emotional toll of mandatory furloughs.

But first, Maryland Citizens Health Initiative President Vincent DeMarco discussed the latest on Maryland’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act and benefits set to take effect in 2014.

Lastly, Bill Fletcher Jr., author of “They’re Bankrupting Us!: And 20 Other Myths about Unions,” dispelled myths about unions and the labor movement.

Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at FederalNewsRadio.com.

For more information, please visit InsideGovernmentRadio.com.

Help Promote USDA’s Summer Free Lunch Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides free or reduced price lunches to 22 million children during the school year through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). In the summer, the program reimburses organizations that serve children meals at feeding sites. Churches, schools, camps, recreation centers, playgrounds, and parks in neighborhoods with high percentages of low income families can provide summer meals to children.

USDA wants AFGE’s help in spreading the word about NSLP throughout your communities. The goal is to help make a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children by promoting participation in the Summer Meals program and making the community aware of its benefits.

To learn more about USDA’s Summer Food Service Program and how you can help publicize it to your community, please visit http://www.afge.org/index.cfm?contentID=3304.

Celebrating National Nurses Week 2013

AFGE Members Tell Their Stories

AFGE honors and recognizes the commitment of federal nurses in providing world-class healthcare. Below is a slide show highlighting some of our AFGE federal nurses.

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AFGE Celebrates National Nurses Week

This week AFGE honors the contribution nurses have made to the field of health care.  Federal nurses play a significant role in providing world-class care in many agencies throughout the federal government, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Bureau of Prisons and other agencies.  During National Nurses Week we’ll highlight some of our members and the work they do. Be sure to ‘LIKE’ our federal nurses Facebook page and check out our nurses board on Pinterest.

Below is an ad that will run in the Federal Times which features a few of our AFGE federal nurses. Thank you to our ad participants: AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr, AFGE District 8 National Vice President Jane Nygaard, AFGE DoD Local 1401 Vice President Erika Townes, AFGE VA Local 609 member Judith Kelly, AFGE DoD Local 1942 member Lisa Haik, AFGE VA Local 2152 Title 38 Vice President Jeanine Swygman, AFGE VA Local 1915 First Vice President David Mollett and AFGE BOP Local 3947 Vice President Sandra Parr.