AFSCME is a very large union that deals with a lot of issues. One of the current issues they are dealing with on their national level is trying to fight income inequality. To do so AFSCME is in strong support of the Fair Minimum Act of 2013, also known as the Harkin-Miller bill, to get its passage during the 113th congress, which would result in a raise of the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. As of today a full-time worker employed for a full year at the federal minimum wage would earn $15,080 which would put them at poverty level wage (“AFSCME Supports Efforts”). To put this in a different perspective, the minimum wage is worth less today than it was in 1950.
Unemployment Benefits
AFSCME is trying to convince congress to extend the federal emergency unemployment benefits immediately. AFSCME played a major role in helping this program get restored by talking to TV airwaves with ads just days after the benefits expired in December. They organized and participated in press events with labor and progressive allies in targeted districts. AFSCME called and emailed lawmakers trying to get a renewal for unemployment insurance. Each week that congress delays in getting this act renewed around 72,000 workers lost their benefits (“AFSCME Supports Efforts”). . These benefits expired on December 28, 2013 and have yet to be extended to this day (“AFSCME Supports Efforts”).…show more content… It has been reported that there is a $0.77 pay gap between women and men (“AFSCME Supports Efforts”). The Paycheck Fairness Act is designed to help those who are victims of gender-based wage discrimination. Unfortunately the senate republicans blocked the bill for the fourth time in September 2014, but as of March 25, 2015 this bill was assigned to a congressional committee which will consider it before possibly sending it on to the House or Senate as a
