News Archives
Final House vote on FMAP scheduled for Tuesday morning, Please call your representatives and urge them to pass this vital legislation to save jobs!
(posted 8/6/10)
Senate Republican obstructionism blocked with 61-38 vote to end the GOP filibuster against the Jobs Bill. All Democratic Senators voted for the bill; all Republican Senators, with the exception of Sens. Snowe and Collins, voted to essentially fire thousands of our members. Pres. McEntee credited mobilized AFSCME members for the victory. C13 Exec. Dir. Fillman said, "Even though Pennsylvania Senators were on board with this, our members' onslaught of calls sent a clear message to Washington. Saving jobs and moving our economy is what will get our votes in November."
(posted 8/4/10)
FMAP pulled from the Senate floor yesterday, citing a report that they were $5 billion short in paying for the bill. A reworked bill could be voted on as early as Wednesday. C13 will continue to monitor the progress of this vital state assistance. Thousands of calls are coming into Congress from AFSCME members -- keep the heat on!
(posted 8/3/10)
C13 donated clothing items and a Wii entertainment system with 4 remotes to Coatesville VA Med Center. Items were purchased with proceeds from raffles held at Charlie's table during C13 conventions and ed conferences. C13 Donates to VA Med Center.
(posted 7/30/10)
On 8/2 the Senate is scheduled to vote a FINAL TIME on FMAP and the education jobs fund. Please contact Senator Arlen Specter, (202) 224-4254, and Senator Bob Casey, (202) 224-6324, and ask for their affirmative vote on this legislation which will keep Pennsylvanians working. Ask your family and friends to make the calls, too. A failure to pass this bill could impact as many as 20,000 state, county and municipal employee jobs!
(posted 7/30/10)
Saturday 7/24 The Rick Smith Show will broadcast a media event surrounding the recent budget from Noon-2pm at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore
(posted 7/14/10)
statewide steering committee meeting endorses Onorato/Conklin & Sestak Press Release
(posted 7/13/10)
Per the Master Agreement, Council 13 received the required 30-day notice of upcoming lay-offs from the Governor's Office yesterday. No specific time frame or amount of layoffs was provided. C13 will keep members informed once more information is known.
(posted 7/13/10)
Gov. Rendell signed $28 billion 2010-11 state budget. Big corporations, big tobacco and big oil won again with no tax on cigars and smokeless tobacco and 70% of big corporations will still pay no income tax. Up to 1,000 state employee layoffs could take place. Marcellus Shale severance tax to be implemented 10/1/10. The budget also relies heavily on $850 million in extended federal funds not yet approved by Congress.
(posted 7/7/10)
39th AFSCME Intl Convention in Boston MA
(posted 7/8/10)
Tentative state budget. July 8 CLEAR Coalition rally will NOT take place.
(posted 6/29/10)
Amid threats of 1,000 furloughs while big business keeps big tax breaks, the CLEAR Coalition has scheduled a rally to save jobs and demand a fair state budget. The rally will ake place at the capitol on July 8 at noon. Contact your District Council to attend - buses will be available. CLEAR will also be holding a press conference on Tuesday June 29 at 1pm at the capitol rotunda.
(posted 6/25/10)
The House could vote as early as Tues. on pension plan legislation designed to lower future pension costs. The changes would affect ONLY school and state employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2011. "We're keeping a close watch on any legislation proposed to keep costs down in the future," said C13 Exec. Dir. Fillman. "By State Constitution, absolutely no changes can go into effect for current state employees, retirees, or state employees hired through December 31, 2010."
(posted 6/13/10)
PEBTF Announces change in PPO Provider
(posted 6/11/10)
Coalition for Labor Engagement and Accountable Revenue (CLEAR) launches new radio ad.
(posted 6/3/10)
House Democrat leaders working on revised budget revenue bill with modified revenue enhancements. The bill is to include an increase in cigarette taxes and natural gas extraction tax. Legislators return to Hbg June 7.
(posted 5/26/10)
After employees voted 245 to 112, 514 1st level supervisors from all over PA will now be represented by AFSCME in the B5 bargaining unit. The majority of the employees are Senior Civil Engineers out of PennDOT and DEP. Congratulations and welcome to the AFSCME family!
(posted 5/25/10)
PA labor unions kick off CLEAR Coalition's fight for fair state budget . More...
(posted 5/24/10)
Coalition for Labor Engagement and Accountable Revenue (CLEAR) to hold press conference May 24
(posted 5/21/10)
C13 Members Honored by DCNR
(posted 5/11/10)
C13's Statewide Political Steering Committee endorses Sen. Arlen Specter for US Senate and Jonathon Saidel for Lt. Governor in the Democratic Primary.
(posted 5/7/10)
38th annual C13 convention held April 23-25 in Hershey,
(posted 5/6/10)
NOW is the time for action. Click the e-Activist Network icon to keep informed and active in the fight for a timely, fair budget. With just a 'couple clicks' state AND non-state jobs can be saved! Urge your friends and family to click, too!!
(posted 5/5/10)
Fillman and Singer Re-Elected View entire slate,
(posted 4/27/10)
SECA Loaned Labor Leaders Honored
(posted 4/21/10)
AFSCME fact sheet on the new health care legislation.
(posted 4/6/10)
C13's LUTI program March 28-April 2
(posted 4/5/10)
AFSCME 39th International Convention will be held June 27 - July 2 in Boston, MA. room reservations handled by C13
(posted 4/1/10)
Sen. Jake Corman in Pgh Post Gazette says state employee layoffs could be necessary to balance the budget. Contact his office at 717-787-1377 and let him know state employee layoffs are not an option!
(posted 4/1/10)
House Bill 9 which amends the PA Conservation Corps Act to provide Conservation Corps Supervisors state benefits, passed the House by a vote of 142-54. Passage of the Bill would bring 54 Corps Crewleaders into the AFSCME family with full benefits, and the option of membership in the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS).
(posted 3/30/10)
Do your part to help PA and public services - return your US census!
(posted 3/29/10)
C13 Exec Dir Fillman testifies on pensions
(posted 3/24/10)
Tom Tosti Appointed DC88 Director
(posted 3/19/10)
Final push for health care reform. Call your U.S. representative NOW toll free at 877-442-6801. List of representatives and sample script.
(posted 3/19/10)
C13 Members Join Ritz Rally in DC
(posted 3/10/10)
PEBTF Joins Physician Reward and Recognition Program
(posted 3/12/10)
Ntl Call In Day for jobs and services
(posted 2/18/10)
(posted 2/18/10)
L1952 plow operators help rescue baby
(posted 2/17/2010)
“Digging Out." AFSCME video promoting public service jobs
(posted 2/13/10)
Ntl Call In Day for jobs bill and health care reform postponed due to inclement weather and subsequent government closings in D.C. To be re-scheduled.
(posted 2/7/10)
PEBTF changes effective 2/1/10).
(posted 2/3/10)
AFSCME Intl donated $25,000 to the Solidarity Center's Earthquake Relief for Haitian Workers fund. To donate, go to AFL-CIO Solidarity Center click “donate now" and type “AFSCME” for union affiliation.
(posted 1/15/10)
Jean Thompson, L2582 Fayette Co. Clericals 'letter to the editor' and L2582 food donation
(posted 1/14/10)
Ntl Call-In for Health Care Reform 1/13/10
(posted 1/11/10)
2010 AFSCME C13 Member-Only Scholarship Guidelines and Application for C13 members, their children and grandchildren.
(posted 1/11/10)
Gov. Rendell signed the gambling reform and table games legalization bill avoiding $250 million in cuts. Those cuts would have included nearly 1,000 jobs.
(posted 1/7/10)
House votes 103-89 to adopt gambling reform and table games legalization bill. Senate approved the bill yesterday. Gov. Rendell will sign. This legislation will avoid further layoffs threatened by the gov. (posted 1/6/10) no link
AFSCME C13 Defeats "Payless Paydays" in PA Supreme Court AFSCME (with SEIU L668 and FOSCEP L2382), had appealed a 2008 Commonwealth Court decision arguing that the federal FLSA trumped state constitution language and PA Supreme Court agreed. The ruling stated timely payment of wages is required by federal law.
(posted 12/28/09)
Exec. Dir. Fillman on the Rick Smith Radio Show on recent PA Supreme Court victory.
(posted 12/31/09)
Happy Holidays from C13 TV spot Statewide radio message 1/4/-1/15/10.
(posted 12/21/09)
Gov. Rendell threatens 1,000 additional layoffs if the table game legalization bill is not approved by Jan 8. Send a form letter to your State Sen. and State Rep
(posted 12/17/09)
Call your Rep/Sen to resolve revenue shortfall and avoid layoffs
(posted 12/15/09)
New Tax Credits for 2010 and downloadable free outreach posters, flyers and fact sheets.
(posted 12/14/09)
Q&A on health care bill
(posted 12/7/09)
Q&A health care conference calls conducted Dec. 1; Dec. 2, and Dec. 3. on health care reform
(posted 11/30/09)
Ttotal furlough 173 AFSCME-represented state employees -- 35 less than original 208. Rapid Response meetings scheduled for the week of Nov 30th.
(posted 11/23/09)
AFSCME receives letter closing Dept. of Lbr investigation regarding payless paydays.
(posted 11/23/09)
202 delegates took part in C13's 27th annual non-state conference in November.
(posted 11/19/09)
319 state furloughs announced by Gov. Office. 208 of these furloughs are AFSCME represented employees. AFSCME was able to once again secure agreement that furloughed employees will receive 2 weeks of paid leave, moving the actual date of furlough to December 4th. Affected agencies are DEP; PHMC; DPW; Exec. Offices; DCNR; DMVA; AGRI; Insurance; PHRC and DCED. 60% of the employees furloughed in August have been placed in either permanent or temporary positions. AFSCME will continue to monitor the contractual placement and recall process, and will continue to work with the commonwealth in attempts to get all furloughed employees back to work.
(posted 11/16/09)
On 11/12 Schuylkill Valley School District (Berks Co.) employees voted 19 to 17 to be represented by AFSCME C13. Employees include Custodians/Maintenance; Custodians/Groundskeeper; Custodians/Courier and Food Service employees. This victory brings 42 new members to our ranks. Congratulations and welcome to AFSCME!
(posted 11/13/09)
Did your representative vote 'yes' on HR3962? If so, call 1-888-460-0813 today and say, "Thank you!"
(posted 11/10/09)
Introduction of Affordable Health Care for America Act, AFSCME has announced the call-in line for Nov. 5 is active NOW! Call 1-888-460-0813 today -- and every day through Nov. 5 -- and urge congress to pass this bill!
(posted 10/29/09)
2nd National Call-In Day for Health Care Reform
(posted 10/29/09)
No word from the governor's office yet regarding more state furloughs. AFSCME cannot control the governor's decision to furlough, but we can and do monitor the process to ensure contract provisions as they relate to seniority, placement and recall-rights are strictly enforced. 293 employees were furloughed in August and as of this week, 60% of those employees have been placed.
(posted 10/26/09)
Health Care Reform - Day of Action #1
(posted 10/16/09)
Senate Finance Committee votes against public option by just 3 votes'
(posted 10/1/09)
9/30: The U.S. Dept. of Labor has advised C13 that since employees have been paid, it has closed its investigation and will not pursue litigation against the Commonwealth. Thanks to everyone who took the time to call the Dept. of Labor on this issue.
(posted 9/30/09)
On 9/16/09, the PA Supreme Court heard AFSCME's appeal challenging the Commonwealth's intention to furlough 25,000 employees in 2008 as a result of the budget impasse. Hearing details, background and update on member complaints to U.S. Dept. of Labor.
(posted 9/26/09)
2009 AFL-CIO convention
(posted 9/21/09)
Gov. Rendell announced on 9/18 that a tentative budget agreement had been reached.
(posted 9/21/09) No Link
C13 Volunteers at MDA Labor Day Telethon
(posted 9/7/09)
C13’s Labor Day TV spot will be featured on WHP-CBS21 during the MDA Labor Day Telethon this entire holiday weekend.
(posted 9/2/09)
'09 Leadership Institute
(posted 8/22/09)
Juniata Co. Locust Grove Nursing Home employees, including Certified Nursing Assts, Restorative Aides, Maintenance employees, Activity Aides, and Dietary Aides, voted 36 to 3 to be represented by AFSCME.
(posted 8/19)
Amended HB1663 passes by a vote of 114-75. Gov. has already signed the bill allowing Gaming Board employees to continue to receive paychecks!
(posted 8/19/09) no link
Bills 1419 through 1425 passed and signed by the governor on Wednesday, August 12. 1,800 state workers from independent agencies will now be paid.
(posted 8/14/09) no link
Pay will go out to roughly half the executive and judicial branch employees today and to the other half Monday. "Thank you to all of our members in the Treas. Dept. who expedited this procedure," said C13 Exec. Dir. Fillman.
(posted 8/7/09) no link
Treas. McCord announces that employees who should have been paid on 7-24 but received only 2 days pay will receive the 8 days missed, along with their regularly scheduled pay on 8-7-09. Employees who should have been paid on 7-17 but received only 7 days pay will receive the 3 missed days, along with the 10 days they missed on 7-31-09, on 8-10. All other pays on schedule.
(posted 8/6/09) No link
Gov. signs 'blue-line' SB850 legislation to allow state workers to be paid. SB850 is not a legitimate budget and does not enable payment to all state employees.
(posted 8/5/09)
AFSCME Family Scholarship Program Announced.
(posted 8/3/09)
If you have been notified by PEBTF that you have lost your Get Healthy contribution waiver and wish to appeal, follow 1 of these appeal procedures within 30 days from the date of your notification letter.
(posted 8/3/09)
C13’s Labor Day TV spot has been revised. The spot will be televised on WHP-CBS21 during the MDA telethon in the Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry and York counties. (View our non-holiday version here which is in rotation now.)
(posted 7/30/09)
Day after rally Gov. Rendell says he will sign 'blue line' SB850 to allow state workers to be paid.
(posted 7/29) No link
over 2,000 voices storm capitol on 7/28 to protest 'payless paydays'
(posted 7/28)
A recorded message is now telling Us Dept of Labor callers that "the US Dept. of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has initiated an investigation of the Commonwealth to ensure that your rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are protected. There is no need for you to file an individual complaint. All affected employees will be covered by our investigation into this matter." If the investigation reveals a violation of the FLSA, it could instruct the Commonwealth to pay state workers and/or file a suit against the Commonwealth. As we advised, due to a U.S. Supreme Court case, state employees cannot sue the state for liquidated damages for FLSA violations. The U.S. Dept. of Labor can, however, request damages, as well as injunctive relief. While we do not yet know what the Dept. of Labor will do following their investigation, we will advise you of developments as we learn of them.
(posted 7/21/09) No Link
Erroneous letter sent from PSECU. This letter is not accurate. Employees advancing the budget impasse loan are not advancing funds from their PSL account and are not required to make their first payment until 90 days after the budget is signed.
(posted 7/20/09) No Link
A message from your Executive Director. (Includes statewide Day of Action rally slideshows and Class Action grievances)
(posted 7/17/09)
file a complaint through U.S. Dept. of Labor once a full paycheck is not received.
(posted 7/16)
statewide pickets
(posted 7/14/09)
Making orange armbands to wear every day they continue to be held hostage, not just in the universal sign of protest, but to show that all the unions, all the workers, and all the people are 'tied together' in one just cause. Rally Resources
(posted 7/9/09)
Special provisions have been made to ensure employees with existing FCAP balances as of their July 17 or July 24 pay date, and whose pay is impacted by the impasse, are reimbursed for eligible expenses since the balances represent deductions from pay for days worked in the prior fiscal year. To be reimbursed, submit a Family Care Account Reimbursement Form (STD-449) along with copies of bills or receipts to your agency human resource office. Questions can be directed your human resource office. (no link)
(posted 7/8/09)
Legislators continue to be 'paid'
(posted 7/7/09)
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the impasse. FAQ on Commonwealth's website,
(posted 7/4/09)
special rates and flexibilities with state-based financial institutions.
(posted 7/3/09)
"A Message From Your Consumer' cards to print
(posted 7/1/09)
"When the Paycheck Stops" brochures unemploymentlifeline.com
(posted 6/29/09)
How you can help prevent Payless Paydays
(posted 6/29/09)
Payless Paydays - what does this mean and what is AFSCME doing about it?
(posted 6/28/09)
Town Hall Health Care For All Meetings took place immediately following the rally in DC.
(posted 6/26/09)
VIP MDA night held June 17.Our Labor Day TV ad is getting an update. CBS 21 website. On Labor Day 2 hours of the telethon (7am - 9am) have been blocked for AFSCME members to 'man the phones' at the Penn Radisson in Harrisburg. Please contact us to volunteer and be on TV!
(posted 6/22/09)
FAQ Mandatory Overtime Law Act 102
(posted 6/19/09)
rally in support of health care reform
(posted 6/11/09)
Scotland School Rally
(posted 6/8)
The Gaming Control Board Professional unit voted 57 to 47 to be represented by AFSCME. With this victory, we add 126 new bargaining unit members to AFSCME's ranks! Congratulations and welcome to the AFSCME family!
(posted 5/19/09) No Link
37th annual C13 Convention held April 24-26.
(posted 5/13)
Gov. Rendell's letter to all Commonwealth employees with frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding procedures for any potential budget impasse and payless paydays.
(posted 5/13/09)
DCNR Employee Recognition
(posted 5/7/09)
Delling Receives Governor's Award for Excellence
(posted 5/6/09)
Domestic Partner Health Care
(posted 4/30/09)
SSSD Rally at Capitol
(posted 4/29/09)
C13 Gets Thank You Letter from PCADV
(posted 4/28/09)
The agreement to avoid rolling furloughs for state employees passed by a 4 to 1 margin for both the Master Agreement and Master Memorandum. Full results from each local will be listed in the May/June PEP
(posted 4/27/09) No link
Organizing update: Carbon County court appointed, professional employees, DC87; and Perkasie Borough, DC88 voted to become part of the AFSCME family. Decert attempt of blue-collar Lower Dauphin School District employees, Dauphin Co., L1086, DC90 was blocked.
(posted 4/14/09) no link
Annual SECA Campaign Recognition
(posted 4/9)
PennDOT work zone awareness campaign
(posted 4/9)
30 and Out Retirement -- The State Employee Retirement System (SERS) is dealing with the current stock market crisis, and although SERS is in good shape, a surge of members retiring at this time with an earlier retirement date would not be financially prudent. Option #4 in SERS, which would provide a lump sum bonus, would strain SERS' budget. In addition unused sick and vacation leave payouts would drain the general fund which is already $2.5 billion in debt. The current "early out" bills are not likely to pass, but these options will be revisited by AFSCME as the market improves.
(posted 4/7)
no link
Agreement Reached to avoid rolling furloughs
(posted 4/2/09)
Henderson New DC85 Director
(posted 3/27/09)
Fillman interview on PCN video
(posted 3/27)
Lewisburg School District votes to join AFSCME
(posted 3/27) no link
2009 Women's Conference slideshow
(posted 3/18/09)
Next Wave Conference Reservations
(posted 3/13)
'09 Workers' Comp Conference
09-10 Budget Address and union Press Conference
(posted 2/4)
2/4: Gov. Rendell's 2009-10 budget address takes place.
Exec. Dir. Fillman; SEIU Local 668 Pres. Jellison; and UFCW Local 1776 Legislation and Political Action Director Meyerson held Press Conference following the address
(no link)
.
Rendell Goes For Furlough Jugular
(posted 1/28/09)
Fillman Responds to Furlough Threats
(posted 1/23/09)
Step increase for January, 2009 WILL go into effect the first full pay period in January, with pay date of January 30 or February 6, depending on employee's pay schedule
(posted 1/9/09) No Link
Ntl Campaign for Economic Relief
(posted 12/19/08)
Wyomissing School District, Berks Co., support staff voted 76 to 19 for AFSCME representation. WELCOME!
(posted 12/19/08) no link
Holiday radio message
(posted 12/19/08)
C13 Parade of Trees
(posted 11/25/08)
C13 Sisters Honored by CLUW slideshow
(posted 11/19)
Special message from Exec. Dir. Fillman and Campaign highlights
(posted 11/5/08)
State Hiring Freeze Meeting
(posted 10/30/08)
McCain Bashes Unions in Hershey, PA
(posted 10/28/08) VIDEO
Limited Mandatory OT for Health Care Workers
(posted 10/10/08)
Non-State Conference Sldeshow
(posted 10/1/08)
AFSCME's Statewide Steering Committee meets
(posted 9/24/08)
Luzerne Co. Donates to Troops
(posted 9/11/08)
Effective 9/11/08 smoking ban in the workplace
(no link)
Obama and supporters speak about unions
(posted 9/9/08) VIDEO
Working Families' Town Hall meeting
(posted 9/6/08)
McCain and Romney Union Attacks
(posted 9/5) VIDEO
2008 Non-State Advisory Committee Members
(posted 8/26/08)
Labor Day TV spot thru 9/14
(posted 8/25/08) VIDEO
Exec. Dir. Fillman is Labor Leader of the Week
(posted 8/25/08) VIDEO
Commonwealth Court has ruled that state employees cannot be paid during a budget impasse. AFSCME will appeal. (posted 8/08) no link.
38th AFSCME Intl Convention
(posted 8/6/08)
Next Wave Focus Group
(posted 7/16/08)
C13's Next Wave Launched
(posted 6/27/08)
Arguments Heard as Budget Talks Continue
(posted 6/27/08)
AFSCME Endorses Obama
Statements from Fillman and Fox
(posted 6/20/08)
OVH Soldiers&Sailors letter of thanks
presentation event (posted 6/9/08)
Letter to Gov. Rendell re: budget impasse furlough
Press Release
(posted 6/19/08)
Full testimony on Sen. Bill 1122. Photos
(posted 6/10/08)
McEntee Congratulates Barack Obama
(posted 6/6/08)
C13's 36th convention photos Videos
(posted 5/15/08)
Members Receive Gov. Awards for Excellence
(posted 5/5/08)
Operation Veterans Hope SE Vet Center
"2-star" letter of thanks
(posted 4/9/08)
Workers Memorial Day Materials
(posted 4/17/08)
LUTI 2008
(posted 3/20/08)
Fillman's DC testimony against fee-for-service Medicare plans (posted 1/30/08)
Wanda Weaver 1920 - 2008
(Posted 1/18/08)
Fillman Press Release protesting Retiree Health Care Changes
(posted 1/18/08)
Fillman Testifies Against Prison Privatization
(Posted 10/26/07)
AFSCME TV Spot.
Thank-You letter from PCADV.
(Posted 8/07)
Photos from C13 TV Shoot
(Posted 8/20/07)
Press Release granting compensation for 1-day furlough..
(Posted 7/18/07)
AFSCME's_letter to Gov. Rendell Requesting Adm. Leave - Budget Impasse
(Posted 7/8/07)
AFSCME/PSSU Lawsuit - Budget Impasse.
(Posted 7/7/07)
Press Release Supporting House Bill 1717
(Posted 7/6/07)
Press Release on Budget Impasse.
(Posted 7/3/07)
OSHA Testimony
(Posted 5/10/07)
