Unions
Here's a look at documents from unions
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Morgan McGarvey for Reelection to Congress
WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Morgan McGarvey for Reelection to Congress
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AFGE says McGarvey fights for working families and all Kentuckians
INDIANAPOLIS - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Rep. Morgan McGarvey for reelection to the U.S. House representing Kentucky's Third Congressional District in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is May 19, and the general election is Nov. 3.
A native
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WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Morgan McGarvey for Reelection to Congress
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AFGE says McGarvey fights for working families and all Kentuckians
INDIANAPOLIS - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Rep. Morgan McGarvey for reelection to the U.S. House representing Kentucky's Third Congressional District in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is May 19, and the general election is Nov. 3.
A nativeof Louisville, McGarvey earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law. He served as a special assistant attorney general in Kentucky among other jobs before being elected to the Kentucky State Senate in 2012. He was elected minority leader in 2018, becoming one of the youngest leaders in any state legislature, before launching his successful campaign for the U.S. House in 2022.
Rep. McGarvey fights for public education, organized labor, reproductive rights, and Kentucky's working families - while building relationships with his colleagues in both parties to pass legislation that helps and protects Kentuckians every day.
"AFGE has no better friend in Congress," AFGE District 6 National Vice President Arnold Scott said. "Congressman McGarvey uses his role on House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to fight for a strong VA for our veterans and federal workers. On top of his 100% AFGE voting record, Congressman McGarvey always shows up for AFGE at rallies to drive support or just showing up to engage with our members at various events."
While serving in the state legislature, McGarvey wrote and passed 18 bills into law, including the first insurance mandate in state history to assist low-birthweight babies, laws to protect victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, and enabling Louisville's only historically Black college and university to lower tuition costs for its students and restart its teacher training program.
Nearly 35,000 federal employees live in Kentucky - caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents nearly 47,000 federal employees in District 6, which includes Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/c1dfd400f69a443b9a3b968e256a7af2.aspx
Breakthru Beverage Workers in St. Louis Launch ULP Strike
WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Breakthru Beverage Workers in St. Louis Launch ULP Strike
(ST. LOUIS) - More than 100 drivers and warehouse workers have walked off the job and launched an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Breakthru Beverage in St. Louis. The members of Teamster Locals 600 and 688 are demanding the company come to the table to negotiate a fair contract without illegal regressive proposals and surface bargaining.
"This company has been dragging their feet and refusing to put a fair
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Breakthru Beverage Workers in St. Louis Launch ULP Strike
(ST. LOUIS) - More than 100 drivers and warehouse workers have walked off the job and launched an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Breakthru Beverage in St. Louis. The members of Teamster Locals 600 and 688 are demanding the company come to the table to negotiate a fair contract without illegal regressive proposals and surface bargaining.
"This company has been dragging their feet and refusing to put a fairagreement on the table," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "Our members don't want to strike, but Breakthru has given them no choice. Teamsters nationwide are on alert and ready to support their brothers and sisters in St. Louis and Cicero."
Like their Breakthru brothers and sisters in Cicero, Ill., management is demanding that members waive their lawful right to not cross or work behind a Teamsters picket line at their work location. The union will never agree to a contract that fails to include this critical protection.
"Our members are united because they know their worth," said Chris Tongay, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 688. "These workers show up every single day and help drive this company's success. They deserve fair wages, strong protections, and a contract that reflects the standards Teamsters have fought to build. We will support our members for as long as it takes."
"It is clear management at Breakthru realizes how strong Teamsters solidarity is at facilities around the country," said John Kelting, President of Local 600. "They are trying everything to delay negotiations and get workers to agree to waive their legal rights. We will remain on the picket line until management agrees to a fair deal."
Local 600 drivers organized in September 2025 and are fighting for a fair first contract.
"We're standing shoulder to shoulder for a strong agreement," said Travis Radetic, chief shop steward and a receiving clerk at Breakthru. "A strong deal is nothing without picket line protection to defend members. We are demanding the company give us what we deserve."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/breakthru-beverage-workers-in-st-louis-launch-ulp-strike/
AFT's Weingarten on the Virginia Supreme Court's decision overturning redistricting referendum results
WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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AFT's Weingarten on the Virginia Supreme Court's decision overturning redistricting referendum results
AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement in response to the Virginia Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Commonwealth's April 21 special election on redistricting.
"The Virginia Supreme Court's decision puts politics over the will of the people. A vote cast by millions across the Commonwealth should supersede other redistricting efforts by state
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WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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AFT's Weingarten on the Virginia Supreme Court's decision overturning redistricting referendum results
AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement in response to the Virginia Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Commonwealth's April 21 special election on redistricting.
"The Virginia Supreme Court's decision puts politics over the will of the people. A vote cast by millions across the Commonwealth should supersede other redistricting efforts by statelegislators. But here, when the voters decide to redistrict, they are told they can't by the very same court that allowed the issue to move forward. And when Republican-led state legislatures change the rules mid-election, even suspending elections or ignoring tornado warnings to disenfranchise Black voters, that's allowed. This is a signal that something is wrong in America. The people of this country should be allowed to decide who represents them, not a mid-decade gerrymander started by a president afraid that his policies are so unpopular he would lose a congressional majority."
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Original text here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/afts-weingarten-virginia-supreme-courts-decision-overturning-redistricting-referendum
UAW: Working-Class Voters Send One of Their Own to Lansing With Chedrick Greene Victory in Michigan's 35th Senate District
DETROIT, Michigan, May 7 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news:
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Working-Class Voters Send One of Their Own to Lansing with Chedrick Greene Victory in Michigan's 35th Senate District
Chedrick Greene has won the race for Michigan's 35th State Senate District, delivering a major victory for working families and strengthening pro-worker power in the Michigan Legislature.
Union members across the region mobilized in the final weeks of the campaign, with volunteers gathering at UAW Local 699 to knock doors and speak directly with fellow union members about the importance
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DETROIT, Michigan, May 7 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news:
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Working-Class Voters Send One of Their Own to Lansing with Chedrick Greene Victory in Michigan's 35th Senate District
Chedrick Greene has won the race for Michigan's 35th State Senate District, delivering a major victory for working families and strengthening pro-worker power in the Michigan Legislature.
Union members across the region mobilized in the final weeks of the campaign, with volunteers gathering at UAW Local 699 to knock doors and speak directly with fellow union members about the importanceof electing someone who understands working-class issues because they've lived them.
"This victory shows what happens when working-class people organize and show up," said Steve Dawes, UAW Region 1D Director. "Union members talked to their neighbors, their coworkers, and their communities because they know Chedrick Greene will be on the side of working people in Lansing. The working class sent one of our own to the State Senate."
Greene's victory is expected to reinforce labor-backed priorities in the Legislature, including protecting union jobs, expanding economic opportunity, and defending collective bargaining rights.
Supporters said the result sends a clear message that the working class is a decisive force in Michigan politics.
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Original text here: https://uaw.org/working-class-voters-send-one-of-their-own-to-lansing-with-chedrick-greene-victory-in-michigans-35th-senate-district/
[Category: Union]
Drivers at Flowers Foods Ratify First Contract
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Drivers at Flowers Foods Ratify First Contract
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(MODESTO, Calif.) - Workers at Flowers Foods in Modesto, Calif., have voted to ratify a strong first agreement, becoming the first group to organize and win a union contract at the company nationwide. The 12 members of Teamsters Local 948 secured increased wages, Teamsters health care, and retirement benefits.
"This is a vital win for workers at bakery giants like Flowers Foods," said Tim Parolini, Secretary-Treasurer of
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Drivers at Flowers Foods Ratify First Contract
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(MODESTO, Calif.) - Workers at Flowers Foods in Modesto, Calif., have voted to ratify a strong first agreement, becoming the first group to organize and win a union contract at the company nationwide. The 12 members of Teamsters Local 948 secured increased wages, Teamsters health care, and retirement benefits.
"This is a vital win for workers at bakery giants like Flowers Foods," said Tim Parolini, Secretary-Treasurer ofLocal 948. "The leadership and dedication of the workers delivered results at the bargaining table that will build the foundation for good wages, safety on the job, health care, and retirement benefits for every unit that organizes in the bakery division across the Teamsters Union."
Flowers Foods is the second largest bakery producer and marketer of packaged bakery foods in the United States. Some of the bakery giant's brands include Wonder, Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Simple Mills, Butternut, and Great Grains.
"This is a great first win at Flowers Foods. With the support of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference and our organizer Mike Pratt, we are looking forward to carrying the momentum of this contract ratification forward to organize other depots across Joint Council 7," said Chris Zent, a business agent with Local 948.
"The strength of Teamsters solidarity on our side was critical," said Steve Fernandez, a shop steward and member of Local 948. "This is a pivotal moment for thousands of Flowers workers across the country. When workers are unified, we win."
Teamsters Local 948 represents thousands of workers across Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Merced, and Stanislaus Counties across various industries, including cannery and food processing.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/drivers-at-flowers-foods-ratify-first-contract/
ATU Applauds Governor Sherrill and New Jersey Department of Labor for Adopting Strong Worker Classification Regulations
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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ATU Applauds Governor Sherrill and New Jersey Department of Labor for Adopting Strong Worker Classification Regulations
New Jersey - New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development delivered a big victory for New Jersey workers in adopting new regulations clarifying the ABC test for determining worker classification, says the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) in applauding the move. The regulations, which take effect
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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ATU Applauds Governor Sherrill and New Jersey Department of Labor for Adopting Strong Worker Classification Regulations
New Jersey - New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development delivered a big victory for New Jersey workers in adopting new regulations clarifying the ABC test for determining worker classification, says the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) in applauding the move. The regulations, which take effectOctober 1, 2026, give workers and employers clear, enforceable standards for distinguishing between employees and independent contractors.
Worker misclassification is one of the most persistent forms of wage theft facing working people today. When employers deliberately label employees as independent contractors, workers lose access to unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, paid family leave, earned sick days, overtime protections, and the right to organize. These new regulations close the loopholes that bad-faith employers have long exploited to undercut both their workers and the law-abiding businesses that compete against them.
"For too long, companies have gotten away with calling workers independent contractors on paper while treating them like employees without any of the protections that come with that status," said ATU International President John Costa. "Governor Sherrill and the New Jersey Department of Labor are putting workers first, and we applaud them for it. These regulations give working people the clarity and protections they deserve, and they send a clear message that misclassification will not be tolerated in New Jersey."
ATU represents over 10,000 transit workers across New Jersey and over 200,000 throughout North America. Our members are on the front lines of worker misclassification in the growing microtransit and paratransit sectors and know firsthand what's at stake when companies evade their legal responsibilities.
The new regulations build on decades of court decisions and synthesize guidance from the New Jersey Supreme Court, providing both businesses and workers with the clarity needed to apply the ABC test correctly from day one. The ATU is particularly encouraged that the regulations protect legitimate independent contractors while targeting the willful misclassification that has cost the state an estimated $500 million annually in lost payroll tax revenue.
"Workers are not a line item. They're the backbone of every transit system in this country, and they deserve every protection the law can offer," Costa said.
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Original text here: https://www.atu.org/media/press/2026/atu-applauds-governor-sherrill-and-new-jersey-department-of-labor-for-adopting-strong-worker-classification-regulations
AFGE Endorses 7 Georgia Lawmakers Ahead of Statewide Primary
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE Endorses 7 Georgia Lawmakers Ahead of Statewide Primary
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Largest federal employee union says working families can count on these lawmakers to fight for them
RIVERDALE, Ga. - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of seven Georgia lawmakers who are running for office during the 2026 midterm elections. The statewide primary is May 19, and the general election is Nov. 3.
The newly endorsed candidates are Keisha
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE Endorses 7 Georgia Lawmakers Ahead of Statewide Primary
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Largest federal employee union says working families can count on these lawmakers to fight for them
RIVERDALE, Ga. - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of seven Georgia lawmakers who are running for office during the 2026 midterm elections. The statewide primary is May 19, and the general election is Nov. 3.
The newly endorsed candidates are KeishaLance Bottoms for governor, Shawn Harris for election to the U.S. House representing Georgia's 14 th Congressional District, and five incumbents: Sen. Jon Ossoff, and Reps. Sanford Bishop (CD-2), Hank Johnson (CD-4), Nikema Williams (CD-5), and Lucy McBath (CD-6). AFGE previously endorsed Ceretta Smith, a past president and current member of AFGE Local 2017, for election to the U.S. House representing Georgia's 12th Congressional District.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, Governor
Keisha Lance Bottoms is a Democratic candidate running to serve as the next governor of Georgia to deliver for working families and stand up against the chaos coming from Washington.
Bottoms previously served as the 60 th mayor of Atlanta, where she steered the city through a pandemic, secured major investments in affordable housing, delivered a historic pay raise for Atlanta's first responders, supported small business and economic opportunity, and balanced the budget. Bottoms became the first mayor in Atlanta's history to have served in all three branches of government, having previously served as a judge and a city councilmember.
Bottoms was born and raised in Georgia and traces her family's roots back five generations to a slave plantation near Crawfordville. She was called to public service to build opportunities for working families like the ones she grew up in. She is willing to work with organized labor and be that bridge between state and federal issues by being the advocate that we need in that position.
"It is with great pleasure that AFGE endorses Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor of Georgia. She's been a longtime advocate for working people and families-as a councilwoman, as mayor of Atlanta, and while serving in the White House. She recognizes the importance of federal workers and how attacks on us impact working families not just in Georgia but across the country," AFGE District 5 National Vice President Tatishka Thomas said. "We appreciate her joining CDC workers in DeKalb County recently and standing up against the reckless federal cuts that have hurt Georgia workers and our economy. Keisha Lance Bottoms is the leader Georgia needs and is focused on lowering costs for working people across the state."
Jon Ossoff, U.S. Senate
Sen. Jon Ossoff has built bipartisan relationships in the Senate to achieve meaningful legislative results for Georgia -even in a divided Congress. In his first two years in office, Sen. Ossoff passed into law more standalone bills than any other freshman senator.
Sen. Ossoff's legislative achievements include laws to protect children online, strengthen public safety, tackle the opioid epidemic and prevent fentanyl trafficking across the southern border, investigate unsolved lynchings and civil rights murders, strengthen mental health care services for veterans, and fight corruption and improve security in U.S. prisons.
Sen. Ossoff has been a great supporter of AFGE and has a record to prove it. He has been a close friend to many of our AFGE leadership and has signed on and advocated many important issues that affect AFGE as a whole.
"Jon Ossoff has proven leadership by championing and successfully passing legislation such as prison reform, public safety and veterans affairs. We support Sen. Ossoff for not only his work but continuing allyship with AFGE," Thomas said.
Sanford Bishop, Second Congressional District
Rep. Sanford Bishop has served on the House Appropriations Committee since 2023 and is currently a senior member of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. He also serves on the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee.
Rep. Bishop has been a close ally and friend of AFGE with a nearly perfect voting record on issues important to the union.
"Sanford Bishop has always been an advocate for worker rights and a hero for justice and organized labor. With close to a 99% voting record for AFGE, District 5 is proud to endorse Rep. Bishop for reelection," Thomas said.
Hank Johnson, Fourth Congressional District
Rep. Hank Johnson has represented Georgia's Fourth Congressional District since 2007, currently covering parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Elected to his 10th term in 2024, he has earned recognition as one of Congress's most effective Democrats, championing legislation that strengthens civil rights, consumer protections, judicial transparency and accountability, and community safety.
Since his first term, Rep. Johnson has sought to preserve the constitutional right to a trial by jury for consumers and workers by introducing the FAIR Act, which bans the enforcement of forced arbitration clauses in employment and consumer agreements. The FAIR Act passed the House twice and underscores Congressman Johnson's commitment to ensuring a fair and level playing field between everyday Americans and wealthy, powerful and well-connected corporations.
As an incumbent and a close ally of AFGE, he has earned the support of AFGE and AFGE District 5. Johnson has been a close friend of organized labor throughout his career, specifically with AFGE, as well as maintaining close relationships with our leadership.
"Hank Johnson has had a long congressional career and track record of helping AFGE and has been a good friend to District 5. We support Rep. Johnson as he continues to fight on behalf of the working men and women of Congressional District 4 in Georgia," Thomas said.
Nikema Williams, Fifth Congressional District
Rep. Nikema Williams was elected as the Freshman Class President for the 117th Congress, where she organized and advanced the interests of her fellow freshmen Democrats to fulfill their oath to work for the people. She currently sits on the Financial Services Committee and is a member of several caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus, Democratic Women's Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Voting Rights Caucus, LBGTQ+ Equality Caucus, and the HBCU Caucus.
Williams has been a close friend and advocate for AFGE since she's been in office. She has a very strong voting record supporting federal workers and has a very close relationship with AFGE leadership.
"Nikema Williams is an activist, a former union member, and community warrior for a multitude of years. She is a friend, ally, and champion for federal workers. That's why we are happy to endorse Rep. Williams for reelection," Thomas said.
Lucy McBath, Sixth Congressional District
Since taking her first oath of office in January of 2019, Rep. Lucy McBath has sought bipartisan solutions to end gun violence, uplift small businesses and our economy, protect and serve our nation's veterans, and lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs.
Rep. McBath's legislative achievements include the HAVEN Act, which protects veterans experiencing financial hardship; a bill that caps the cost of insulin for seniors on Medicare at $35 per month; and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first comprehensive gun safety legislation in over three decades. Her advocacy and her willingness to work with her colleagues for the benefit of the people of Georgia have earned her recognition as an effective lawmaker and one of the House Democratic Caucus' most important voices.
Her continued support for AFGE and our issues, along with her cultivated relationships with our union members and elected leaders, is the reason why we are proud to endorse her for reelection.
"Lucy McBath has been a good friend and ally for AFGE and District 5. She has proven herself time and time again to be the advocate that we need. And we know that she will give us continued support," Thomas said.
Shawn Harris, Fourteenth Congressional District
A retired U.S. Army brigadier general and cattle farmer, Shawn Harris has positioned himself as a pragmatic, bipartisan-focused contender in a heavily Republican district. Harris brings more than four decades of military service to his campaign: he enlisted in the Marine Corps, later served as an infantry commander in Afghanistan, and held senior advisory roles around the world before retiring as a general.
He earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the Army War College and now lives with his wife on a cattle farm in Rockmart. His campaign emphasizes support for farmers, veterans, health care access, and economic affordability, along with a willingness to work across party lines. He has expressed interest in building strong and robust legislative relationships with AFGE.
"AFGE District 5 is proud to endorse Shawn Harris for Georgia's 14th Congressional District. Having served our country for 40 years, culminating as brigadier general, Shawn knows the true meaning of service. He isn't just running to fill a seat; he is running to protect the hard-won rights of federal employees, secure better funding for the VA, and ensure that our jobs are respected, not used as political footballs," Thomas said.
Nearly 106,500 federal employees live in Georgia - caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents 110,000 federal employees in District 5, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/e98e2e8adb59422fbbe5918c003084d6.aspx
