Recent News

Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from ICE custody

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a free man, at least temporarily. Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant, Maryland resident, and SMART 100 member, was released from ICE custody last week.

"I stand here today with my head held up high, and I will continue to fight and stand firm against all of the injustices this government has done upon me,” Abrego Garcia said. “Regardless of this administration, I believe this is a country of laws, and I believe that this injustice will come to its end. Keep fighting. Do not give up. I wish all of you love and justice. Keep going.” Read more »

House votes to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers

Last week the House voted 231-195 to pass a bill to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers. The legislation would roll back Trump’s March and August executive orders that stripped collective bargaining protections for large swaths of the federal workforce.

"President Trump betrayed workers when he tried to rip away our collective bargaining rights," AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement Thursday. "In these increasingly polarized times, working people delivered a rare bipartisan majority to stop the administration’s unprecedented attacks on our freedoms." The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Food service workers at the U.S. House demand fair contract

Food services workers at the U.S. House who are members of UNITE HERE Local 25 picketed Metz and TCMA last week to secure the wages, affordable healthcare, and benefits won in the contract held by their prior employer. Local 23 members should not have to take a step backward due to a change in employer after many have contributed decades of service to the House of Representatives. Metz and TCMA, workers need a fair contract now! Read more »

Teachers raise alarms about lack of central heat at Cardozo

Members of the Washington Teachers' Union (WUT) at Francis L. Cardozo Education Campus estimate that approximately half the classrooms at the school don't have centralized heat. “It makes it much harder to concentrate and learn,” said Paul Abdou, a math teacher who also serves as Cardozo's WTU representative. “This is an ongoing issue that’s been going on for years and years, and it’s incredibly frustrating.” Read more »

Take Action

Donate to the ATU Local 689 Strike Fund

ATU Local 689 members at Battle's Transportation/RHG Group are on strike to ensure that they are treated fairly, and have been out on the picket line every day in frigid temperatures.

Help Battle's workers stay out as long as it takes to win this strike! Donate to the strike fund to show your solidarity with Battle's workers.

Voice your support for Maryland state employees

On December 3, the State of Maryland handed AFSCME Maryland's Bargaining Team a wage proposal which was less than last year’s, continuing the cycle of expecting state workers to do more for less. It’s time for state leaders to invest in the people who keep essential public services and our communities running. Send a letter to Governor Moore demanding a fair wage proposal for state employees »

Send a letter: UMD workers deserve a fair telework policy

AFSCME Local 1072 is negotiating with university leadership to implement a new agreement on telework that prioritizes equity, stability, and workers’ rights. However, prolonged negotiations are stalling our progress. Send a letter to UMD President Darryll Pines supporting workers' demand for a fair and equitable telework policy.

Upcoming Actions + Events

Registration is open for AFL-CIO's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference
January 15-18, 2026 in Baltimore, MD

The civil rights and labor movements have long worked together to fight for and win a better future for working people.

At our 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference, we’re honoring our history and fighting for a better future. Register to attend.

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