Department of People Who Work for a Living
DPWL recently held nationwide hearings to amplify workers' voices on federal policy. Participants expressed deep concern over cuts to federal jobs and services, criticizing the Trump administration’s disregard for civil servants and attacks on protections for working people.
Federal unions—and all unions—are under attack.
The Trump administration took its most blatantly anti-worker, anti-union action yet: an executive order stripping the right to organize from hundreds of thousands of federal workers at more than 30 agencies. If President Trump can cancel union contracts, no worker in America is safe.
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AFGE: Join Us to Fight for VA Workers in New York City
Learn More >AFGE: Join Us to Fight for VA Workers in New York City
Details
Join us in New York City as we come together and rally to fight for and protect VA workers and veterans!
Location:
Hosted by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Manhattan VAMC
423 E 23rd St
New York, NY 10010
AFT Massachusetts Licensure Updates
Learn More >AFT Massachusetts Licensure Updates
Details
Join AFT Massachusetts Director of Education Policy, Sarah Wilfred, for a discussion of updates on licensure and the possibility of future alternative licensure pathways.
Date
Wed, Jun 4 @ 5:00PM
Location:
Hosted by AFT
Massachusetts
, MA 02111
APWU Day of Action In Rhinebeck!
Learn More >APWU Day of Action In Rhinebeck!
Details
Stand in solidarity with APWU "Hands off our public Postal Service!"
Date
Tue, Jun 3 @ 1:00PM
Location:
Hosted by New York State AFL-CIO
6383 Mill St
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Blue Collar Breakfast
Learn More >Blue Collar Breakfast
Details
Come join the Colorado Springs Area Labor Council and local unions of the Pikes Peak Region for breakfast. Breakfast is free and open to all Union Members, Retired Union Members, Families, Friends, Workers and Labor Allies. No agenda, just a good time.
Date
Sat, Jun 7 @ 11:30AM
Location:
Hosted by Colorado Springs Area Labor Council
2150 Naegele Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Dayton-Area Labor Happy Hour
Learn More >Dayton-Area Labor Happy Hour
Details
They Dayton-area labor movement is hosting a monthly Happy Hour at the Iron Workers Motorcycle Club. This event is open to all union members who want to join together in Solidarity and meet other members from various unions. Both adult beverages and non-alcoholic drinks are available and we hope you, your coworkers and family will come enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of your Sisters, Brothers and Siblings in the labor union movement.
Date
Thu, Jun 5 @ 3:30PM
Location:
Hosted by Ohio AFL-CIO
Ironworkers Union Motorcycle Club
2500 Ome Ave
Dayton, OH 45414
Join Us to Fight for VA Workers in Philadelphia
Learn More >Join Us to Fight for VA Workers in Philadelphia
Details
Join us in Philadelphia as we come together to rally and fight for and protect VA workers! Philadelphia CLC President Danny Bauder will be in attendance and will be speaking.
Date
Thu, Jun 5 @ 12:00PM
Location:
Hosted by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Outside Philadelphia VAMC
South 38th St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Join Us to Fight for VA Workers in Reno
Learn More >Join Us to Fight for VA Workers in Reno
Details
Join us in Reno as we come together and rally to fight for and protect VA workers!
Date
Fri, May 30 @ 2:30PM
Location:
Hosted by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Front of Reno VA
975 Kirman Ave
Reno, NV 89502
Join Us to Fight for VA Workers in Sheffield
Learn More >Join Us to Fight for VA Workers in Sheffield
Details
Join us in Sheffield as we come together and rally to fight for and protect VA workers and veterans! The Ohio AFL-CIO, Lorain County AFL-CIO CLC, Veterans Assurance Network will also be there. Speakers include: Tim Hauser PACT ACT Advocate/Gulf War Veteran/Founder Veterans Assurance Network, Ron Adkins President of Lorain County AFL-CIO, AFGE Local 31 Leaders
Date
Thu, May 29 @ 2:00PM
Location:
Hosted by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
5275 Abbe Rd N
Sheffield, OH 44035
Lorain County Stand up for Our Federal Workers Rally
Learn More >Lorain County Stand up for Our Federal Workers Rally
Details
The Trump Administration, Elon Musk and his illegitimate DOGE are attacking our fellow union members and trying to circumvent the union contracts and Congress. Join us and fellow concerened Ohioans as we stand together for our patriotic federal workers who make our country great. Union and community members are encouraged to join this event by bringing signs that show support for our Gov’t employees, veterans, and support for HB 2550 “Protect America’s Workforce Act”.
Date
Thu, May 29 @ 2:00PM
Location:
Hosted by Ohio AFL-CIO
Public Space in Front of VA Clinic
5275 Abbe Rd N
Elyria, OH 44035
Medina Save Democracy Rally
Learn More >Medina Save Democracy Rally
Details
Join us for a peaceful protest and come raise your voice to stop the oligarch takeover and to Save Democracy in America.
Date
Tue, Jun 3 @ 11:00AM
Location:
Hosted by Ohio AFL-CIO
Public Square
Medina, OH 44256
Phone Bank: Jenn Puja for Westchester County Legislator, District 5
Learn More >Phone Bank: Jenn Puja for Westchester County Legislator, District 5
Details
Join the Westchester/Putnam CLB to help mobilize union voters in support of endorsed candidate and WPCLB Executive Director, Jenn Puja for Westchester County Legislator, District 5. We provide training and support for all of our volunteers, so no experience is necessary. Whether you can commit a few hours a week or a few hours up until election day, every little bit helps! Let's knock out these calls and get this union leader elected to the county! **Food will be served - please be sure to RSVP! You must bring a charged cell phone & charged device (laptop/tablet).**
Date
Thu, May 29 @ 11:00AM
Location:
Hosted by New York State AFL-CIO
595 W Hartsdale Ave
White Plains, NY 10607
Portage County Stop Social Security Cuts: Protect Our Benefits
Learn More >Portage County Stop Social Security Cuts: Protect Our Benefits
Details
Come join us as we rally to protect our Social Security as the Trump Administration, Republicans in Congress and DOGE try to gut the Social Security we earned to billionaires can privatize it to make more profits off our backs. We will also be collecting school supplies and personal products for kids in Portage County.
Date
Sat, Jun 7 @ 12:00PM
Location:
Hosted by Ohio AFL-CIO
Public Space at Ravenna Social Security Office
444 Enterprise Pkwy
Ravenna, OH 44266
RESIST and RECLAIM: Stop The Billionaire Takeover
Learn More >RESIST and RECLAIM: Stop The Billionaire Takeover
Details
Our democracy is under attack. The current administration is making a full-blown power grab — shredding the rule of law, ignoring the courts, and handing over control of our country’s financial system to a billionaire crony. This is a hostile takeover, a coup, and we need relentless, united pressure to stop it. We refuse to let our communities be ruled by greed, racism, and corruption. Here in Mahoning County, we draw the line. We demand justice. We demand a future that puts people before profit. We envision a future where healthcare is a right, not a privilege; where public education is for everyone; where billionaires don’t get to rewrite the rules to favor themselves and enslave the workers. This is more than a protest – this is a movement to reclaim our power, restore our rights, and fight for a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Date
Sat, May 31 @ 3:00PM
Location:
Hosted by Ohio AFL-CIO
Mahoning County Court House
120 Market St
Youngstown, OH 44503
Rochester Labor Canvass!
Learn More >Rochester Labor Canvass!
Details
Please join the Rochester Labor Council to get out the vote for Mayor Malik Evans, City Council President Miguel Melendez, Victor Sanchez, and Josie McClary for the Democratic primary in the City of Rochester!
Date
Sat, Jun 7 @ 9:30AM
Location:
Hosted by New York State AFL-CIO
NYSUT: A Union Of Professionals
30 N Union St Suite 302
Rochester, NY 14607
Share Your Story about Cuts to SSA, Medicare, and Medicaid, with AFGE In Kingston!
Learn More >Share Your Story about Cuts to SSA, Medicare, and Medicaid, with AFGE In Kingston!
Details
We need your voice! Share your story about why Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid matter in your life. You get up to 3 minutes to speak.
Date
Tue, Jun 3 @ 7:30PM
Location:
Hosted by New York State AFL-CIO
Kingston City Hall
420 Broadway
Kingston, NY 12401
Stop the MAGA Murder Budget
Learn More >Stop the MAGA Murder Budget
Details
Tell Iowa's Congressional Delegation how proposals in the House budget would affect you and your community.
Date
Fri, May 30 @ 3:00PM
Location:
Hosted by Iowa AFL-CIO
201 W 2nd St
Davenport, IA 52801
Unite For Veterans Rally
Learn More >Unite For Veterans Rally
Details
America made a promise to its veterans. It's a promise we intend to keep. On June 6th, join thousands of veterans, military families, and their allies on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the Unite for Veterans, Unite for America Rally. We are coming together to defend the benefits, jobs, and dignity that every generation of veterans has earned through sacrifice. Veteran jobs, healthcare, and essential VA services are under attack. We will not stand by. Why We Rally Veterans and military family members are being fired by the thousands from federal jobs. Our healthcare is being gutted. Our benefits are under siege. This isn't the first time veterans have had to fight for what was promised. From the Bonus Army of 1932 to the battles for the GI Bill and Agent Orange care, veterans have always led the charge for justice. Now, it's our turn. We rally to: -Defend veteran and military family member employment in the federal workforce -Stop the privatization and weakening of the Department of Veterans Affairs -Hold political leaders accountable for policies that harm veterans and their families
Date
Fri, Jun 6 @ 2:00PM
Location:
Hosted by AFL-CIO
Washington Monument
2 15th St NW
Washington, DC 20024
Unite for Veterans, America Rally Watch Party
Learn More >Unite for Veterans, America Rally Watch Party
Details
Join us as we LIVE STREAM the Rally in Washington, DC in partnership with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). We will have speakers and of course Live stream BINGO.
Date
Fri, Jun 6 @ 2:00PM
Location:
Hosted by Atlanta North GA Labor Council
153 Richardson St SW
Atlanta, GA 30312
Take action with AFL-CIO
Working people around the country are taking action. Check out these ways to get involved!
Issues
Navigate the issues below to learn how unelected billionaires and their agenda is affecting working people.
Federal Workers
Federal workers are the heart of our government, ensuring that critical services like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the Department of Veterans Affairs, disaster relief and national defense run smoothly. They run our national parks, inspect our food and medicine, and keep us safe from crime, accidents and disasters.
Cuts to the federal workforce jeopardize these services, affecting millions of Americans who rely on the government to protect and secure their well-being.
Immigration
One in five workers in America wasn’t born here. Immigrants are America’s workers, vital to the fabric of our communities, our economy and our labor movement.
The labor movement supports comprehensive immigration reform that fully protects America’s workers, reduces the exploitation of immigrant workers and reduces employers’ incentive to hire undocumented workers rather than U.S. workers. But stoking fear about immigrants, raiding schools and hospitals, and mass deporting people whose labor makes our country prosper is not only a betrayal of our values—it’s also a recipe for economic disaster.
Labor Law
President Trump has effectively shut down the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
The NLRB—usually led by five board members—holds union elections, investigates allegations, and resolves cases of wrongdoing brought by workers, unions or employers.
The president illegally fired a member of the labor board, Gwynne Wilcox—the first Black woman to serve on the NLRB. There are now only two sitting members of the board, which leaves it one member short of the minimum number needed for any decision-making. And by firing Wilcox, because he didn’t like her decisions, he destroyed the board’s independence.
Tax and Budget Policy
Proposed Spending Cuts Would Cut Workers’ Health Care and Jobs to Pay for Tax Cuts for the Rich
Budgets are about more than just dollars and cents listed on a spreadsheet—budgets are about our values. We saw Trump’s budget priorities during his last administration: billions in proposed cuts to Social Security. Billions in proposed cuts to Medicaid. Billions in proposed cuts to public schools. Billions in proposed cuts to food assistance programs.
At the same time, the last Trump administration had plenty of money for a tax bill in 2017 that delivered trillions of dollars in special tax breaks to billionaires and giant corporations. Now the Trump administration is looking to make those tax breaks for the rich and powerful permanent in 2025.
Where in the U.S. are government workers?
Where do government workers live? The answer may surprise you. While many assume most federal workers are based in the Washington, D.C., area, 85% of federal employees live throughout the country, with large concentrations in states like California, Texas, Florida and Georgia. Cuts would be felt nationwide, hurting local economies and services.
About one-third of federal workers are military veterans who continue to serve our country in these roles. Cuts to the federal workforce would immediately put thousands of veterans out of work.
In our own words
Click through the carousel to read the stories of ordinary workers who make our communities run, and see how they’re being affected by DOGE and the Trump administration’s executive orders.
We’re a military family and rely on workplace flexibility for me to keep my job. We are currently stationed in [redacted] and rely on two incomes to make ends meet.
They’re already affecting my work. We don’t have the resources to do what they want us to do and they demonize us every day.
As a federal employee, a hostile administration makes me fearful that my job could be terminated at the stroke of a pen. As the majority breadwinner, this would make us homeless in months.
As an Indigenous, disabled veteran, working with a hostile administration puts my work and my family’s life in jeopardy. I gave up my youth in service to this country, and to have that sacrifice dishonored by the people in D.C. is a punch in the gut.
I spent nine years in grad school, five years in post doc. I’ve wanted to work for [the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] (NOAA) a long time. If I cared about money, I would have gone to Wall Street, but I care about our environment and our people. And NOAA provides a lot of services to Alaska, the rural and coastal communities here really get a lot of information from us, and I’m worried.
I'm sad that I lost my job. But I'm also sad I'm not going to be able to help these people anymore who desperately need it.
Trump’s gone on the attack against American workers, and we are watching hard-fought gains erode before our eyes.
I suffer from mental health issues, general anxiety, OCD and depression. Working from home, [I] was supported by my doctor and psychiatrist due to how it helped me cope and work. Now that is being taken away.
My job was updating the publicly accessible water data, which helped everything from topographic maps to conservation to agriculture, everything. Myself and 12 other probationary employees were let go... I was ONE week away from being off probation.
When my husband loses his job, I will not be able to support our family on my income....My entire paycheck just covers the cost of daycare for our 3-year-old son, who is also a budding naturalist and fisherman. The identity of our family is tied to the protection of the Great Lakes. Who will be there to protect 84% of North America's freshwater resources when we're gone?
I have 20 years of federal service that I’m terrified will be taken from me, destroying my retirement benefits. I have a family to support. I’m up all night with my PTSD, exasperated by the stress this man is causing me and so many others.
I have a nephew who served 4 years in Iraq, then, due to his outstanding service as leader of a battalion and at the request of the Army, he spent 4 years training other Army personnel in Germany instead of coming home. Once he completed the training, he came home and went to work for the EPA. Now he's received the notorious email requesting him to quit. This is not the respect or appreciation he deserves for serving his country in the finest fashion.
My mental health has been negatively impacted. I live in constant fear and instability. Constantly checking emails. Praying I’ll be able to keep my career I’ve worked so hard for and retirement.
I was terminated from my role as a Research Fish Biologist....It seems that fisheries science will no longer be valued in the U.S. This termination will also cost me and my family financially.
I work for a tribal college and university that is held in trust by the government....Because most faculty and staff were let go, this leaves our already underfunded, understaffed university vulnerable, and it’s certain we as a university will experience many negative impacts. Students will be most affected. The quality of education will go down, and the struggles we've already had and endured for generations will become even more unmanageable.
My brother and his wife made tremendous sacrifices to join USAID, leaving successful careers....They packed up their home, took their three young children and moved across the world, committed to making a difference. Less than a year later, they wake up to daily uncertainty. With little communication and even fewer instructions, they are left in limbo. We now have real concerns for their safety.
I am a behavioral health nurse....I’m terrified every day, my stomach hurts. I’ve even been having chest pains. How am I supposed to give my patients everything they deserve when I’m barely functioning myself? I would urge this administration to maybe sit down and speak to the government employees and see what they do and how important it is.
As a teacher of 30-plus years, my Pell Grant and other scholarships helped get me through college. The Department of Education should not be dismantled by Musk. We did not elect him, and you’re hurting our children and country.
I am a retired public school teacher and current volunteer tutor in a public school, and I am watching the plans to destroy the Department of Education. They don’t care about disadvantaged children like the ones I taught and still teach. It is painful to contemplate, and we all need to stand against it and the rest of the horrible actions they have taken for the benefit of billionaires.
I’m a public school teacher who cares passionately about the safety and well-being of my students. I’m sick and tired of this administration making up ridiculous lies about what is taught in schools when our goals are simply to create curious and joyful lifelong learners and responsible, compassionate members of society.
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