AFL-CIO Blog

  • Take Action: No Cuts to Social Security Phone Bank
    Take Action: No Cuts to Social Security Phone Bank Social Security is a lifeline for America’s taxpayers, providing income and dignity after a lifetime of hard work. Which is why it’s so mind-boggling that Elon Musk and DOGE would attack such a successful, cost-effective and popular program. As of last week, Musk’s pseudo-government agency listed 47 Social Security offices across the country that it intends to close—at the same time that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been sending mixed messages about whether or not it will shut down Social Security’s toll-free phone support service. The website has crashed four times in 10 days this month. And according to reports over the past month, the SSA could be planning to fire 50% of its workforce, jeopardizing the timely delivery of checks that people depend on to pay their bills. That’s why we’re sharing this important virtual phone bank from our friends at the Alliance for Retired Americans. Founded by the AFL-CIO in 2001, the alliance now has 40 state alliances and members in every state. The alliance is holding a virtual phone bank on Thursday to call America’s seniors to let them know about the DOGE threats to Social Security and urge them to call their members of Congress. Can you join the Alliance for Retired Americans? Here are the details:  WHAT: Save Social Security Virtual Phone Bank WHEN: Thursday, March 27, at 2 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE Can’t make it on Thursday afternoon? Call your own representative and senators here and urge them to protect Social Security. Thank you for taking action to say, “Hands off our Social Security!”  Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/26/2025 - 12:00 — Mar 26
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Machinists and NFFE-IAM Hold Event Celebrating Federal Workers
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Machinists and NFFE-IAM Hold Event Celebrating Federal Workers Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. Early Monday morning, the Machinists (IAM) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) gathered to show support for federal workers alongside AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (pictured above) and community allies. Rally attendees spoke with commuters and held signs thanking federal employees for their critical work keeping our essential services running. “We often take federal employees for granted, yet they dedicate their lives to serving the American people, often under challenging circumstances,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “It's crucial that we take time to recognize their hard work and commitment, not just on special occasions, but every day. They are going through a difficult time, and we are proud to support them with a simple thank you.” Randy Erwin, national president of the NFFE-IAM, added: “They deserve our respect, our support, and fair treatment. This event is a small way to show our appreciation for their dedication and service.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/26/2025 - 09:23 — Mar 26
  • Let Us Work: In the States Roundup
    Let Us Work: In the States Roundup It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X. Alaska AFL-CIO: Arizona AFL-CIO: California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO: Colorado AFL-CIO: Connecticut AFL-CIO: Illinois AFL-CIO: Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO: Kentucky State AFL-CIO: Maine AFL-CIO: Massachusetts AFL-CIO: Michigan State AFL-CIO: Minnesota AFL-CIO: Missouri AFL-CIO: Nevada State AFL-CIO: New York State AFL-CIO: North Carolina State AFL-CIO: Ohio AFL-CIO: Oregon AFL-CIO: Texas AFL-CIO: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/25/2025 - 11:54 — Mar 25
  • Women's History Month Profiles
    Women's History Month Profiles For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country.  Here are the members we've featured so far: Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/25/2025 - 10:48 Tags: Women's History Month — Mar 25
  • Women's History Month Profiles: Deborah Toussant
    Women's History Month Profiles: Deborah Toussant For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Deborah Toussant of AFGE. Deborah Toussant is the secretary-treasurer of AFGE Local 2094, the national women’s advisory coordinator of AFGE District 2 and the vice chair of AFGE’s National Human Rights Committee. She worked for the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in New York City for more than 34 years until she retired in 2019. She has continued her service and activism with AFGE and in her Harlem community. Toussant is a proud union woman who is willing to speak up for the voiceless and fight for civil, human, women’s and workers’ rights. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/25/2025 - 09:59 Tags: Women's History Month — Mar 25