We Make Sure Every Employee’s Voice is Heard
Strengthen Our Workplace Through Collective Bargaining
We use our collective power to bargain for the best work conditions possible.
Ensuring Representation for All Bargaining Unit Employees
We represent our members when they need us.
Legislative and Political Action
We take legislative and political action, calling on our elected officials to do what’s right for working people.
Encouraging Collaboration
Our negotiated contracts put in place a process that encourages collaboration with managers and establishes standards for fair and equal treatment. These systems help create better, productive workplaces.
Education
We provide a space for members to expand their knowledge of what the union can do.
Community
We connect, engage, and have fun with our community of members.
Frequently Asked Questions
A labor union or trade union is an organized group of workers who unite to make decisions about conditions affecting their work. Labor unions strive to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our nation.
The bargaining unit is made up of employees with similar interests that are represented by a single labor union. You do not need to be in a union to be considered part of the bargaining unit, but you cannot join a union if your job is not part of the bargaining unit.
Yes, unions remain important as they continue to fight to increase wages and benefits, to ensure fair treatment, and to give workers a voice and support.
Collective bargaining is a right protected by the U.S. Constitution for employees joined together by a union to negotiate with their employers. A collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is established to ensure rights and obligations within it are respected and followed. Collective bargaining allows workers to have a sense of security when certain processes, such as representation, are protected.
Union dues are voluntary payments by union members that provide monetary support for a wide range of union activities including representation, lobbying, union governance, training, and communications with members.
Your membership ensures voices are heard, including your own. Even if you don’t have the need for representation against management issues, your membership allows for a stronger union to fight for more benefits, higher wages, and security.
Not one bit. While managers are unable to be union members as they are considered part of the employer’s bargaining power, not the employee’s bargaining power, your membership in a union does not keep you from communicating with your supervisor or management. Conversely, they cannot keep you from communicating with your union.
Unions are not just there to represent members in bad times. Being a member makes you part of a collective group that can fight for higher wages, more benefits, and job security for you and your coworkers. Your membership confirms solidarity and support for the rights of all employees.
As a member of AFGE, I feel like I have a voice to make a difference and continuously improve the workplace for my fellow colleagues and myself!
I choose to be a member of my union because I need the support and ability to fight for our rights. Without the union, there would be no protection.
I joined the Union not long after my employment in Census around 2002-2003, at that time, I was encouraged by my fellow colleagues who were members and I wanted to see what the union was all about. Fast forward to 2023 and I’m still part of a great team of people who are very engaged and dedicated to helping out its members in any way they can. A highly trustworthy and loyal group that know when to take it to the table and also have fun during our many yearly events both online and in person.