Press Releases
DPE has media staff in Washington, D.C. to handle inquiries from journalists on issues related to professionals in unions. To schedule an interview with a member of the DPE staff, contact Katie Barrows at kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org or call 202-638-0320 ext. 15 or 202-549-5991.
Professionals Continued to Organize in 2020, Boosting Union Membership Amid Economic Turmoil
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2021- Professional union membership rose in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) annual report on union membership. The number of professionals in unions grew to 6.311 million, an increase of approximately 34,000 from 2019. Union density among professionals was 11.3 percent, up from 11.1 percent in 2019.
“Amidst a global pandemic and economic recession, professionals are continuing to organize and join unions,” said Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning. “Joining together with their coworkers is the only way for professionals to win sustained, substantive change at work, and is the best path forward for professionals who want to protect their livelihoods during periods of economic uncertainty.”
Underneath the top-level data, the numbers show how the continued severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has been hurting professionals. The pandemic has had wide-reaching economic impacts, leading to the net loss of at least 662,000 jobs in professional occupations over the last year, including:
594,000 fewer teachers and other education, training and library professionals, a six percent decrease from 2019.
Approximately 240,000 fewer jobs in arts, entertainment and media professions, a 19.8 percent decrease from last year. This includes significant job losses for many kinds of creative and entertainment professionals, including actors, musicians, directors, dancers, singers, reporters, editors, broadcasters and many others.
Many union professionals were able to weather the economic storms of the last year, in part, with protections and processes enshrined in their collective bargaining agreements that provided for salary reductions in lieu of layoffs, work-share arrangements, or severance packages for those who did lose their jobs.
The 2020 employment and union membership numbers also highlight the need for additional legislative action early in 2021 to protect professionals’ workplace rights and prevent further economic damage.
The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act must become law to help ensure all professionals can exercise their right to join together in union and negotiate collectively with their employers.
Congress must pass smart policies that will help America's arts, entertainment, and media industries reopen when it is safe and get creative professionals back to work.
Additional federal funding is also necessary to aid state and local governments in order to prevent cuts to essential services such as public health and education and allow state and local leaders to respond quickly to changing economic needs.
“Unions have been pivotal throughout the pandemic, protecting their members’ health, safety, and economic livelihood. Passage of the PRO Act will allow more professionals to exercise their right to form a union and create better workplaces. Additionally, we urge Congress to take action on federal arts funding and state and local aid to prevent further economic devastation due to the pandemic,” said Dorning.
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
DPE Denounces Attempted Coup at the U.S. Capitol
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2021 - Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning issued the following statement as a response to yesterday’s attempted coup at the U.S. Capitol:
“Yesterday is going to be remembered as one of the darkest days in recent American history. The outgoing President’s divisive language and continued attempts to undermine the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election resulted in an attempted coup.
Throughout the Capitol, professionals ranging from congressional staffers to engineers in the office of the Architect of the Capitol work to keep our government running. While news professionals covering Congress roam the halls and chamber galleries to provide critical information to the American public. The Trump supporters’ storming of the Capitol threatened these professionals' lives, along with many others.
DPE condemns the acts of yesterday. Violence and hate have no place in our democracy.”
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
DPE Mourns the Loss of Larry Willis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2020 - DPE President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in response to the news of the passing of Transportation Trades Department (TTD) President Larry Willis:
“DPE mourns the loss of TTD President Larry Willis. Larry improved the lives of millions of Americans through his commitment to frontline transportation workers and their unions. My condolences are with his family, friends, and TTD kin at this difficult time. ”
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
DPE Honors Retiring AFT Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2020 - This month, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Secretary-Treasurer and Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) Treasurer Lorretta Johnson retires after over 50 years as a union activist and leader.
“Lorretta has been an advocate for union professionals and I’m forever grateful for her service to DPE,” said DPE President Jennifer Dorning. “She has given so much to the labor movement throughout the course of her career and is leaving some big shoes to fill. Even though she will be greatly missed, I’m excited for her next chapter in life and wish her the best in retirement.”
“It’s been an honor to serve with Lorretta on the DPE executive committee,” said International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) President and DPE Chair Paul Shearon. “Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lorretta in various other capacities in the union world and will miss her insight and wisdom. Now, she gets to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.”
Johnson began her time in the labor movement by organizing her fellow paraprofessionals with the Baltimore Teachers Union. She has served in many AFT leadership positions including president of the Baltimore Teachers Union’s paraprofessional chapter, president of AFT-Maryland, an AFT vice president, AFT executive vice president, and AFT secretary-treasurer.
Johnson joined the DPE executive committee as treasurer in March 2019, and her dedication has been important to growing the number of professionals in unions. Additionally, Johnson has held a variety of other leadership positions across the labor movement. She has served as a vice president of the AFL-CIO, and held board positions for the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO, and Union Privilege organization.
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
DPE Launches Initiative to Organize Professionals Seeking a Safe Return to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2020 - Today, the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) launched an initiative to educate and connect with professionals about how organizing unions can protect their health and safety as many businesses resume in-person operations, even as the threat of COVID-19 remains. Over the next month, DPE will conduct outreach to nonunion professionals in order to emphasize the importance of organizing unions to secure a voice in conversations about office reopenings, personal protective equipment, and work-from-home policies.
“As stay-at-home orders are lifted and employers begin to call employees back to their physical offices, the only legally-protected way for professionals to have a say in these important decisions is with a union,” said DPE President Jennifer Dorning. “Throughout this pandemic, union professionals have been able to negotiate with their employers on health and safety measures, implementation of telework, and ways to avoid layoffs, and they will continue to have input in workplace changes as organizations deal with the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Over six million doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals are union members, and in the last year more than 90,000 professionals joined unions. The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped professionals from organizing unions, instead nonprofit employees, musicians, theater professionals, and many others have continued to unionize to create stability and have a seat at the table in these uncertain times.
Professionals can find more information about organizing unions during the COVID-19 pandemic here.
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
DPE on the Murder of George Floyd: Black Lives Matter and Justice Must Be Served
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2020 - The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) issued the following statement on the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, David McAtee, and many other black people by police, and the subsequent repression of peaceful protest across the United States:
“Black lives matter,” said DPE President Jennifer Dorning. “The deaths of George Floyd and many other black people at the hands of the police is horrible and unacceptable. Floyd, his family, and the countless black families who have lost loved ones due to racist violence deserve justice.”
“Racism and racial inequities exist across the country and union professionals continue to use their collective voice to work towards racial justice in and out of the workplace. Union professionals are diverse in their races, ethnicities, and backgrounds, but all are united in making the lives of working people better, and that includes eradicating oppression and discrimination.”
“I strongly condemn the use of force by police forces and the national guard against nonviolent protestors in cities across America. The right to assemble and protest is a core value of the labor movement and at the heart of the American democratic system. Additionally, I decry the intentional targeting of journalists and news professionals.”
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
DPE Applauds Bipartisan Reintroduction of H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, May 26, 2020—Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning issued the following statement in response to the introduction of the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2020:
“Simply put, the H-1B visa program needs reform. Employers continue to use the H-1B program to lower standards, outsource and offshore good jobs, and pay H-1B workers below market wages in arrangements where employers hold far too much power.
I applaud Senators Dick Durbin and Chuck Grassley for introducing the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2020 in the Senate, and Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr., Paul Gosar, Ro Khanna, Frank Pallone, Jr., and Lance Gooden for introducing companion legislation in the House. If enacted, this legislation would go a long way toward improving the H-1B visa program so that it works for U.S. professionals and people working on H-1B visas, and not just employers.”
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
News Unions Statement on Standards for Safety and Fairness for Industry’s Workers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, May 11, 2020 - Thousands of workers across the media industry have been working through this crisis. News workers have helped tell the story of this pandemic, its heroes, and its ramifications. At the same time, thousands more in the industry have lost jobs along with millions of other Americans. News is essential, perhaps like never before. As parts of our society and economy begin to reopen, we want to do everything we can to make sure media workers have safe and fair workplaces.
As we move forward in this new world, the affiliate unions of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) with members working in news media, call on all employers in the news industry to follow these basic guidelines, which should be the bare minimum. Employers should take additional precautions, such as testing and screening protocols, where appropriate.
All work that can be done from home should be done from home if the worker so chooses, with proper tech support.
When work must be done in the newsroom, control room, studio, or in the field, basic CDC and OSHA guidelines on social distancing and protective measures should be mandated, with each worker supplied with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
All worksites and field vehicles should be equipped with sufficient disinfectant supplies and disinfected by professional cleaning crews regularly to ensure the best possible hygiene in all work areas.
Employers should adopt strict contact tracing plans to self-isolate those who may have been exposed to anyone who tests positive or exhibits symptoms consistent with the virus.
Layoffs, furloughs, and reductions in employees’ hours should only be considered after all other options have been exhausted. Before any reductions in hours/days for freelance and temporary workers or furloughs or layoffs of staff workers, there should be good faith discussions between the union and management (with financial transparency) to settle on the best course of action to ensure high-quality journalism and protect as many jobs as possible during this crisis.
Endorsed by:
Directors Guild of America (DGA)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE)
These unions are part of the DPE Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industry Coordinating Committee (AEMI), a group of unions representing members who work in the arts, entertainment and media industries.
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
IFPTE President Shearon Elected Chair of DPE General Board, AFGE National President Kelley to join Executive Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, April 7, 2020 - Today, the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) Executive Committee elected International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) President Paul Shearon to chair the DPE General Board. As chair, President Shearon’s responsibilities include heading DPE’s governing body, serving as a member of the DPE executive committee, presiding at board meetings, functioning as one of DPE’s fiduciary trustees, assisting in the appointment of committees, and helping fill leadership vacancies.
“Professionals are essential to the future of the labor movement, and I’m honored to chair this great coalition of unions,” said President Shearon. “Whether you are an aerospace engineer, digital journalist, teacher, or any one of the more than 64 million professionals in this country, there is much to gain by joining together in union with your colleagues. I look forward to working with DPE in this new capacity and developing new ideas to organize professionals.”
President Shearon entered the labor movement as a member of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, IFPTE Local 2001 (SPEEA) when he was a programmer at the Boeing Company. He has over 20 years of experience as a leader of union professionals, becoming SPEEA’s organizing director in 1996. In this role, he helped add 5,000 aerospace professionals to the union and helped plan SPEEA’s strike in 2000. President Shearon was elected IFPTE secretary-treasurer in 2006 and became IFPTE’s president in 2018.
“President Shearon has a long history of communicating the benefits of union membership to professionals,” said DPE President Jennifer Dorning. “We couldn’t be more excited for President Shearon to chair DPE’s general board and help strengthen our coalition.”
DPE’s executive committee elected American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National President Dr. Everett Kelley to fill the DPE general vice president position vacated by President Shearon. A union member for more than 35 years, Dr. Kelley has grown the ranks of union professionals in every role he has served as an AFGE activist and leader.
“Dr. Kelley’s expertise and dedication to ensuring a thriving, effective labor movement for federal sector professionals will be invaluable for all DPE affiliates,” said Dorning.
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Unions Secure Access to Economic Support for Creative Professionals in Latest COVID-19 Relief Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2020 - The Department for Professionals Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) and affiliated arts, entertainment, and media unions applaud the expanded access to economic support for loss of work related to COVID-19 in the latest coronavirus aid bill, which is on its way to becoming law.
While most creative professionals were not eligible for the relief in earlier pieces of COVID-19 legislation, together with their unions they won access to economic relief through hundreds of thousands of emails, calls, social media posts, and other outreach to members of Congress. DPE and its affiliated arts, entertainment, and media unions applaud the bipartisan support for this vital legislation that is keeping the country moving forward during this difficult time.
“We are thankful that this coronavirus aid bill ensures COVID-19 related economic relief applies to professionals in the arts, entertainment, and media industries,” said DPE President Jennifer Dorning. “By coming together and mobilizing their members, DPE affiliated arts and entertainment unions made sure lawmakers took into account the unique working situations of creative professionals and expanded access to economic support.”
Specifically, DPE and its affiliated unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries commend the bill for protecting creative professionals by increasing and extending unemployment benefits, sending one time direct payments and additional financial support to states, and establishing the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for those who otherwise would not qualify.
“Many creative professionals who work gig to gig had begun or expected to begin their next job when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. These individuals will now be eligible to receive economic support to help make up for the income lost due to cancelled or postponed work” said Dorning. “The important takeaway is that money will soon be in the hands of creative professionals and their families.”
DPE and its affiliated arts, entertainment, and media unions will continue to work together to make sure members can access this economic support.
The bill also provides crucial emergency funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Going forward, DPE and its affiliated unions of professionals in the arts, entertainment, and media industries remain focused on ensuring that subsequent COVID-19 relief legislation includes:
Further federal arts funding to assist arts nonprofits and other employers in financing projects and performances
Pension relief and access to affordable healthcare
Economic support for the entertainment industry that puts people back to work
“We look forward to the day when creative professionals and all working people can safely return to work,” said Dorning. “We know that the way forward is achieved by working together.”
The unions engaged in advocacy include:
Actors’ Equity Association
American Federation of Musicians
American Guild of Musical Artists
American Guild of Variety Artists
Directors Guild of America
Guild of Italian American Actors
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Office and Professional Employees International Union
Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
Writers Guild of America, East
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.