Dear AFSCME Family,

All around the country, we continue to see the union difference in action.

In Nevada, after a struggle lasting some 20 years, thousands of state employees have ratified their first union contract. Two years ago, they didn’t have a voice on the job and the right to bargain collectively. Now they have, among other things, overtime after eight hours a day, guaranteed merit pay and a 3% wage increase in 2022.

Send a note of congratulations to our union family in Nevada.

Nevada state workers, members of AFSCME Local 4041, have dedicated their careers to public service. But they spent years without a seat at the table. They were at the mercy of the boss’ whims, with no ability to make any change in their working conditions. Now, all that is changing.

The union difference means we can sit down with the boss and negotiate to make our workplaces better and our communities stronger.

The union difference means power in numbers — you’re never on your own and someone always has your back.

The union difference means we can get the respect we deserve for the sacrifices we make.

And yes, the union difference means higher pay and a better life for our families.

People are taking notice of the union difference. The Guardian recently reported on new survey research showing that “Americans are more pro-union...than at any time in decades.” Union popularity is rising across the political spectrum and especially among young people. And the more Americans come to appreciate unions these days, the less they trust corporations.

The union difference is paying huge dividends in Nevada — send your best to our union family in the Silver State on the heels of this huge victory!

The challenge now is to keep educating people about the union difference, to overcome some of the barriers to organizing and convince more people to join our family. I look forward to doing that work with you.

In solidarity,

Lee Saunders
President, AFSCME