Unions
Here's a look at documents from unions
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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
... Show Full Article
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]
TWU Activists Takes the Hill
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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TWU Activists Takes the Hill
More than 150 TWU activists and officers lobbied on Capitol Hill on May 5 to build support for federal legislation that would benefit union members and their families - including a bill that would allow all overtime earners to pay less in federal income taxes.
Teams of TWU members and officers from locals across the country swarmed through the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate office buildings for scheduled meetings as part of this year's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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TWU Activists Takes the Hill
More than 150 TWU activists and officers lobbied on Capitol Hill on May 5 to build support for federal legislation that would benefit union members and their families - including a bill that would allow all overtime earners to pay less in federal income taxes.
Teams of TWU members and officers from locals across the country swarmed through the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate office buildings for scheduled meetings as part of this year'sthree-day Legislative & Committee on Political Education Conference. They were armed with talking points highlighting the merits of the "No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act." The legislation would extend eligibility for a new federal tax exemption pertaining to overtime income to an additional 3 million workers, including more than 100,000 TWU members.
"This is a top priority for us," TWU International President John Samuelsen said. "We are laser-focused on the economic security of our members, and this legislation would save working families thousands of dollars a year."
TWU International President John Samuelsen, (photo above, left) kicked off the conference by addressing participants. International Executive Vice President Alex Garcia, Secretary-Treasurer Jerome Lafragola, and Administrative Vice President Mike Mayes (photo above, right) joined TWU's member lobbyists on Capitol Hill. (Conference photos can be found on the TWU's Flickr page )
The One Big Beautiful Bill that Congress passed last year included a provision exempting hourly workers from paying federal income taxes on a portion of their overtime earnings: up to $12,500 for single filers and up to $25,000 for married couples filing jointly. This could mean up to $6,000 in savings. The portion of overtime earnings exempt from taxes is the premium: the "extra" half that is added to the base hourly rate. For someone with a base hourly rate of $30, the premium for one hour OT would be $15.
But the bill was poorly drafted. It relied on an outdated federal definition of overtime dating back to 1938. While most hourly workers qualify, the flawed language in the BBB excludes scores of workers in the airline, railroad, trucking, and delivery industries from eligibility for the benefit.
"It's extremely important that we talk to members of Congress and their staff, here in Washington and in their home districts," TWU International Executive Vice President Alex Garcia said. "This is why we need a strong COPE program with TWU members contributing and participating - so we can bring about changes that will improve their lives."
Congress members need to be educated and prodded, International Secretary-Treasurer Jerome Lafragola said.
"The only way you can get anyone to do anything in politics is to advocate on your behalf. Basically, you're educating elected officials on the issues that affect you and your daily work life and advocating for or against a certain action."
Before heading to the Hill, activists spend a full day attending workshops and informational presentations on all the TWU's top legislative priorities, as well as a discussion on labor and politics featuring President Samuelsen and Rep. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania.
Legislative and COPE Conference is a joint event of the TWU Government Affairs Department and COPE.
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Original text here: https://www.twu.org/twu-activists-takes-the-hill/
San Diego Musical Theatre Crew Joins IATSE Local 122
NEW YORK, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees posted the following news release:
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San Diego Musical Theatre Crew Joins IATSE Local 122
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SAN DIEGO, CA - Production workers at the San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) have voted overwhelmingly to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122. The 18-member unit includes wardrobe department staff, stitchers, dressers, audio technicians, spotlight operators, deck crew, stage managers, and assistant stage managers.
San Diego Musical Theatre is a
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees posted the following news release:
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San Diego Musical Theatre Crew Joins IATSE Local 122
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SAN DIEGO, CA - Production workers at the San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) have voted overwhelmingly to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122. The 18-member unit includes wardrobe department staff, stitchers, dressers, audio technicians, spotlight operators, deck crew, stage managers, and assistant stage managers.
San Diego Musical Theatre is acommunity theatre that presents musical productions in an intimate 172-seat venue. The theatre also operates the SDMT Academy, which brings in young people from the community to learn about theatre arts.
Workers began meeting with IATSE Local 122 representatives in December 2025 after reaching out to the union seeking representation. Over the following months, workers built solidarity and support for unionization despite facing resistance from management.
The company conducted an anti-union campaign that included attempts to hold a captive audience meeting, which had to be cancelled when no workers confirmed attendance, along with personal appeals from management to reject the union. Despite these attempts to bust the workers' union, the group remained united in their commitment to securing representation.
"Building the theatre community has always been a priority for our Local," said Robert Morales, Business Representative for IATSE Local 122. "By organizing SDMT, we continue to build union density which in return helps us negotiate better contracts for everyone and uplift the industry."
Patricia Lutz, SDMT Wardrobe Supervisor, spoke on the importance of collective representation: "Having union representation means I have a voice, that I am not alone when it comes to holding the company accountable for safety and working conditions. I am looking forward to working with the company to make much needed improvements and to have better job security."
The newly organized crew will now negotiate their first collective bargaining agreement with San Diego Musical Theatre, joining IATSE's growing movement of organized production workers at community and regional theatres throughout North America. Entertainment workers interested in unionizing their workplace can visit iatse.net/join to contact an organizer.
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Original text here: https://iatse.net/san-diego-musical-theatre-crew-joins-iatse-local-122/
NFFE Demands Congressional Action to Stop Dismantling of U.S. Forest Service
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The National Federation of Federal Employees issued the following news release:
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NFFE Demands Congressional Action to Stop Dismantling of U.S. Forest Service
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Washington, D.C. - Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) sent a letter to Congress urging elected officials to uphold their oaths to the Constitution and prevent the dismantling of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
NFFE President Erwin sent the open letter in response to the Trump Administration's announcement of a so-called realignment plan, which is not only reckless,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The National Federation of Federal Employees issued the following news release:
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NFFE Demands Congressional Action to Stop Dismantling of U.S. Forest Service
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Washington, D.C. - Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) sent a letter to Congress urging elected officials to uphold their oaths to the Constitution and prevent the dismantling of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
NFFE President Erwin sent the open letter in response to the Trump Administration's announcement of a so-called realignment plan, which is not only reckless,but also illegal according to the FY 2026 appropriations law. The letter argues allowing the plan to be implemented amounts to Congress conceding that its laws, appropriations, and oversight responsibilities can be ignored at will.
"This dismantling creates a clear pathway for transferring federal lands to state and private control without the consent of Congress or the American people," the letter reads. "Federal stewardship ensures balanced use: conservation, recreation, and responsible economic activity.
"Make no mistake: If this 'reorganization' is carried out, that balance will be lost. The American public- your constituents -should expect:
* Reduced access to public lands, including favorite hunting and recreational areas
* Increased privatization and commercial exploitation of public assets
* Loss of protections for natural resources held in trust for future generations
"No administration has the authority to give away public assets. That authority rests with Congress and, ultimately, with the American people it serves."
The letter also illustrates how wildfire and emergency response will be hampered, as the ecosystem of support personnel will collapse due to the plan's workforce disruption. Costs to the American public will skyrocket as the agency will be forced to rely on expensive contractors and overstretched state and local cooperators.
NFFE is demanding that Congress:
* Immediately halt all reorganization activity until statutory notification and approval requirements are met.
* Conduct oversight hearings to determine the legal authority, funding sources, and impacts on congressionally mandated programs.
* Direct a Government Accountability Office investigation into the cost, legality, and workforce impact of this action.
* Refer potential violations of appropriations law and the Anti-Deficiency Act to the appropriate oversight bodies, including criminal referrals as needed.
"The bottom line is that Congress must do their jobs," said NFFE National President Erwin. "We view this as not just a policy disagreement that will result in the collapse of the Forest Service as we know it, but also a breach of the Constitution. President Trump is blatantly attempting to ignore the appropriations laws his own party passed. Congress must stand up for their authority and protect the public lands of the American people."
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Original text here: https://www.nffe.org/press-release/nffe-demands-congressional-action-to-stop-dismantling-of-u-s-forest-service/
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
