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.
DPE Encourages All Professionals to Wear Red, Be #RedForFeds Tomorrow
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2018— Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement encouraging professional union members and their allies to wear red tomorrow in support of federal employees as oral arguments begin in AFGE v. Trump:
“Over one million professionals help keep the federal government running by carrying out core responsibilities like caring for our veterans, keeping our air clean, and making sure our skies are safe. DPE stands with federal government employees whose workplace rights have come under attack. Tomorrow, oral arguments begin in a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s attempt to strip federal employees of their due process, collective bargaining, and workplace representation rights. DPE will dawn red tomorrow and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with federal employees outside the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. We encourage all professionals to join in going #RedforFeds on Wednesday by wearing red as a symbol of their own solidarity with federal government employees.”
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 and Entertainment Unions Urge House to Oppose Effort to Slash Federal Arts Funding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2018—Representative Glenn Grothman has offered an amendment to the FY19 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill that would reduce funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) by 15 percent each. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement in response to Rep. Grothman’s amendment:
“DPE and our affiliate unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries steadfastly oppose the Grothman amendment and any other attempt to slash federal arts funding. The NEA and NEH are vital to our economy, helping to support family-sustaining jobs in all 50 states. As we have repeatedly told members of Congress, the economic pain of reduced federal arts funding will be felt most acutely in small towns and rural communities, far from the soundstages of Hollywood and bright lights of Broadway.”
DPE unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries include:
Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)
Directors Guild of America (DGA)
Guild of Italian American Actors (GIAA)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU)
SAG-AFTRA
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE)
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 President on Janus Decision: Shameful Attack on Workers, but Professionals Inspire Confidence in Labor’s Future
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2018—Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCMEthat workers covered by a union contract who are not members do not have to pay their fair share for the benefits they receive from having a union in their workplace:
“The Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME is another predictable attack on hard working people across America who seek to rebalance the economic scales by joining together in their workplaces. The corporate billionaires who funded this case have an ally in a Supreme Court majority that is willing to shed 40 years of legal precedent in order to advance their anti-worker agenda.
Despite today’s ruling, DPE is confident that professionals will continue to work together to strengthen their communities and workplaces through collective action. We saw a glimpse of professionals’ potential last year when an additional 90,000 professional employees became union members. DPE member unions continue to demonstrate that professionals want to work collaboratively to improve their workplaces. In just the last six months, digital journalists, charter school teachers, nonprofit employees, animatic editors, symphony musicians, public radio announcers, FAA employees, and many other professionals all across the country have joined together in union. We are confident professional employees will continue to see the value of unions and grow the labor movement into the future.”
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’s Statement on President Trump’s Executive Orders Attacking Federal Employees’ Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2018—Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive orders attacking the workplace rights of federal employees:
“DPE stands with federal employees demanding President Trump respect their workplace rights. Across the federal government, over one million professionals are entrusted with crucial responsibilities – they are women and men who treat our veterans, keep our skies safe, and protect our water supply. These professionals join together in union to ensure fair treatment, improve their workplaces, and collaborate with management to identify cost savings and efficiencies. President Trump’s May 25th executive orders hurt professionals across the federal government and the Americans who depend on them.”
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 Lauds Senate Vote to Protect Net Neutrality
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2018—Today the U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to adopt S. J. Res. 52, the Net Neutrality Resolution of Disapproval. This joint resolution would rescind the FCC’s 2017 order on “Restoring Internet Freedom,” maintaining the net neutrality rules adopted by the FCC in 2015. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement on the joint resolution:
“We commend the senators who voted today to undo the FCC’s order repealing net neutrality rules. Corporations should not be able to block, throttle, or otherwise limit Americans’ access to lawful online content. Consumers depend on the Internet to enjoy their favorite music, shows, and performances. Creative professionals also rely on a level digital playing field to earn a living.
DPE and its affiliate unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries look forward to working with Congress to pass permanent net neutrality legislation that ensures consumer access to legitimate content and fully protects creative professionals’ ability to earn fair wages and benefits in the Internet age.”
DPE unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries include:
Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)
Directors Guild of America (DGA)
Guild of Italian American Actors (GIAA)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU)
SAG-AFTRA
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE)
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 Passing of AFSA President Diann Woodard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-638-0320 x115
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2018—In response to the news of the passing of American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) President Diann Woodard, Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement:
“President Woodard was a vocal advocate for school administrators and professional union members. Through her 36-year career as a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, trustee, and leader of the national union for school administrators, President Woodard dedicated her life to public education and enriching the lives of young people.
I’m grateful to have had the privilege of knowing and working with Diann. My condolences are with her family, friends and AFSA colleagues during 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 Mourns the Loss of Rep. Louise Slaughter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-638-0320 x115
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2018—Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul. E Almeida issued the following statement as a response to the news that Representative Louise Slaughter has passed away:
“DPE mourns the loss of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. As long-time co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, Congresswoman Slaughter led the charge for full federal arts funding and fiercely advocated for the people working in the arts, entertainment, and media industries. She championed the arts as a pillar of America’s societal and economic strength and will be long remembered by creative professionals and their unions. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Congresswoman Slaughter’s family, friends, colleagues, and staff during 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 President Paul E. Almeida’s Statement on the Re-Introduction of I-Squared
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, JAN. 25, 2018—Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement in response to the re-introduction of the Immigration Innovation Act of 2018 (“I-Squared”):
“Congress should be focused on the needs of America’s existing workforce by finding a permanent solution for the people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), not expanding an already flawed, temporary guest worker program. The over one million DACA and TPS recipients include STEM professionals and students already here and ready to fill open jobs in the United States. They are just waiting on Congress to act so they can continue to work and live in the only country they know as home.
Just as Congress should be extending rights and protections to America’s current workers, it should do the same for people who work on temporary employment visas. DPE remains steadfastly opposed to I-Squared because it would more than double the size of the H-1B program without adequate protections for Americans or H-1B workers. I-Squared would allow corporations to continue using 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.
DPE remains ready to work with members of Congress to reform the H-1B visa program so that it works for U.S. workers, highly skilled foreign workers, and employers. I-Squared is not the answer.”
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 23 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.
Professional Union Membership Hit New High in 2017, Public Sector Realized Largest Gains
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-638-0320 x115
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2018—This morning, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published its annual report on union membership and revealed professionals in unions grew to a new high at over 6.1 million members in 2017. The largest gains in professional union membership came from those working in the public sector. Today’s BLS union membership report is based on analysis of 2017 union data released earlier this month.
Union members employed in professional and technical occupations grew by nearly 90,000 members in 2017—from 6.06 million in 2016 to 6.15 million. The public sector realized almost 80 percent of the gains with the addition of nearly 70,000 professional union members. This increase follows the long-term trend of professionals choosing to join together in union. In the last 15 years, 800,000 more professionals have become union members.
“DPE is pleased to see professional union membership continue to grow. Our coalition of affiliate unions values the role professionals play in the labor movement, which is why we’ve worked hard to determine how to effectively represent current union members and organize new members,” said Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida. “The tremendous gains in the public sector are the result of professionals deciding to join together to have a voice and make workplace improvements in a climate often hostile to those who work in government.”
The BLS report on 2017 union membership also showed that overall union membership was up. Union membership increased from 14.5 million members in 2016 to 14.8 million members in 2017—an over 260,000 member increase. Due to the recent growth in overall union membership and professional union membership, professionals continue to make up over 40 percent of the labor movement.
In October 2016, DPE sponsored a survey that found most professionals want to be part of a union. The 2017 gains in professional union membership indicate that professionals are acting on their interest in unions.
“We know that professionals want a union and it is good to see the BLS numbers reflect professionals’ support for unions,” said Almeida. “We will continue to work with our affiliates to ensure professional union membership continues to grow in the coming years.”
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 23 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.