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.
Statement on USCIS’s Announcement Regarding P Visa Consultation Process
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2019 – Last week U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that labor unions can directly send consultation letters to USCIS in instances when unions are not providing a letter that is favorable to a P-1, P-2, or P-3 nonimmigrant visa petitioner. The P visa category is used by athletes, artists, entertainers, and support personnel who want to work temporarily in the United States. A petitioner that seeks a P visa must submit a consultation letter from the appropriate union in its application materials to the U.S. government.
Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning issued the following statement in response to this USCIS directive:
“DPE and our affiliate unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries commend USCIS and Director L. Francis Cissna for continuing to address serious fraud and abuse within both the O and P visa programs. Unscrupulous petitioners submitting consultation letters on fraudulently altered union letterhead is an issue across visa categories. Our unions take seriously their role as advisors in both the O and P visa petition process because it is through this advisory role that these unions can help maintain pay and working conditions, safeguarding the economic interests of all professionals working in the industry. When low-road petitioners abuse the O or P visa approval process, they undermine the ability of our unions to maintain the workplace standards their members fought hard to achieve.
We view USCIS’s February 8th announcement as a continuation of needed reforms to the O and P visa consultation process, and look forward to further reforms that more fully address misuse of the consultation process.”
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)
Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (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.
Professional Union Membership Rose in 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2019—Professional union membership grew to 6.18 million in 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) annual report on union membership released today. This is an increase of approximately 28,000 professional union members from 2017.
“Our affiliated unions continue to work hard to demonstrate the value of joining together in union, and professionals are responding,” said Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning. “Professionals see that with a union they are able to earn higher pay and better benefits, as well as preserve their professional expertise and standards.”
DPE affiliate unions saw numerous professional organizing victories in various parts of the economy in 2018. Digital journalists, graduate employees, college faculty, charter school teachers, healthcare professionals, nonprofit employees, broadcasters, actors, musicians, utility employees, and many other professionals made the choice to join together in union. The reasons for organizing ranged from increasing pay and improving benefits to preserving a collaborative and innovative workplace.
The 2018 professional union membership gains continue the decade-long trend of professionals choosing to unionize. In 2017, unions of professionals gained 90,000 members and professionals in unions hit a new high of 6.15 million members. Over the last 20 years, unions have seen an over one million professional member increase.
“Professionals are growing the labor movement. The more they learn about how coming together in union can improve their lives, the more they want to join together,” 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 Take Joint Action on Workplace Harassment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2018—Arts, entertainment, and media unions affiliated with the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) are committed to taking joint action to combat workplace harassment. Nine of the unions met on December 13, 2018 and pledged to share contract language, training resources, codes of conduct, and best practices to strengthen the individual efforts of each union to continue improving their industries. The joint action by these unions enhances the individual efforts of each union.
“Creative professionals work side-by-side in shared workplaces, which is why their unions are committed to collaborating on industry-wide improvements,” said DPE President Jennifer Dorning. “DPE affiliate unions representing arts, entertainment, and media professionals are committed to learning from one another in an effort to develop even more effective ways to help eliminate incidents of harassment on the job.”
The unions will regularly convene to ensure they live up to their pledge. DPE affiliate unions in arts, entertainment, and media will also continue their foundational work of championing greater systemic equity, diversity, and inclusion in the creative industries.
The December 13, 2018 meeting was convened by the DPE Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industry Coordinating Committee, a coalition of 12 DPE affiliate unions representing professionals in the creative industries that come together to coordinate, discuss, and take joint action on shared interests.
The unions committing to joint action 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 Artists
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers*
Office and Professional Employees International Union*
SAG-AFTRA
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
Writers Guild of America, East
*Unable to attend December 13th meeting.
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 Remembers IBEW International President Emeritus Edwin D. Hill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2018—DPE President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in response to the news of the passing of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) International President Emeritus Edwin D. Hill:
“President Hill’s dedication to the labor movement improved the lives of working people. He was a forward-thinking leader who championed programs that allowed IBEW to overcome challenging times and become a stronger union. He led by example and his lifelong commitment to service, his union, and the world is something all of us should strive to achieve.
President Hill was a true visionary and I am saddened by his passing. My condolences are with President Hill’s family, friends, and IBEW brothers and sisters during this 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.
Statement on USCIS’s Announcement Regarding O Visa Consultation Process
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, September 19, 2018 – Last week U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that labor unions can directly send consultation letters to USCIS in instances when unions are not providing a letter that is favorable to an O-1 or O-2 nonimmigrant visa petitioner. The O visa category is used by artists, entertainers, and support personnel seeking to work temporarily in the United States. A petitioner applying for an O visa must submit a consultation letter from the appropriate labor union in its application materials to the U.S. government. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning issued the following statement in response to this USCIS directive:
“DPE’s affiliate unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries commend USCIS and Director L. Francis Cissna for taking this important first step to strengthen the integrity of the O visa program. Unions serve a vital advisory role in the O visa petition process as their expertise helps maintain standards and educate USCIS adjudicators about industry nuance. Unscrupulous visa petitioners have sought to thwart the union advisory role by altering consultation letters and creating fraudulent consultation letters on a union’s letterhead. USCIS’s September 14th announcement is a start to strengthening the integrity of the O visa consultation process, and we look forward to additional reforms that will further safeguard a process that ensures talented foreign professionals have the ability to work in the United States. We also urge USCIS to extend its reform initiative to the P visa consultation process, another visa category available in the arts and entertainment industry.”
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.
Jennifer Dorning to Become President of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), First Woman to Lead an AFL-CIO Trade Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Manager
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, August 29, 2018—The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) announced today that DPE Assistant to the President Jennifer Dorning will become its next president, succeeding Paul E. Almeida who is retiring. Dorning was unanimously elected by the DPE Executive Committee in April 2018 to carry out the remaining three years of Almeida’s term. Dorning will take office on September 1, 2018, becoming the third president and the first woman to lead DPE in its 40-plus year history. As the first female president of DPE, Dorning will also become the first woman to lead an AFL-CIO trade department.
“I am honored to serve as the next president of DPE and excited to work with DPE’s 24 affiliates to continue to make gains for professionals in unions,” said Dorning. “Together, we are more effective as we confront challenges and identify opportunities to grow our movement.”
Dorning, who joined DPE in 2010, has been a strengthening force at DPE with her ability to generate new ideas and execute projects that lift up unions of professionals. Dorning led the effort to develop organizing tools tailored to professionals, which resulted in the creation of suite of resources for DPE affiliated unions that have been used to help more professionals join together in union. Prior to joining DPE, Dorning served in a number of advocacy-related positions, including as a criminal defense attorney, legislative assistant in the Oregon state legislature, and working on political campaigns for progressive candidates and causes.
As president, Dorning will build on the achievements made by DPE and unions of professionals during Almeida’s 17-year tenure as DPE president. Under Almeida’s leadership, DPE became more vital to the labor movement than ever through its work facilitating collaboration, developing resources, and hosting programs to help its 24 affiliate unions better organize, represent, and engage professionals. In 2017, DPE’s success and relevance was reinforced when professional union membership hit a new high at 6.15 million members. With more and more professionals interested in joining together in union, Dorning plans to seize the opportunity to help DPE affiliates continue to grow the number of professional union members.
“Working with Paul has given me invaluable knowledge in building and leading an effective coalition of unions and I’m thankful for the time I’ve spent working beside him,” said Dorning.
Jennifer Dorning’s bio and a high-resolution photo can be viewed 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 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.
AFL-CIO Convention Recognizes the Growth of Professionals in Unions, Acknowledges Potential for Future Gain
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-638-0320 x115
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
ST. LOUIS, Oct. 25, 2017—Today, AFL-CIO convention delegates voted to recognize the dramatic growth of professional union members who now make up over 40 percent of the labor movement, as well as acknowledged the potential for future growth.
The delegates of the AFL-CIO convention adopted Resolution 36, Celebrating DPE: 40 Years of Growing Professional Union Membership. The resolution commemorates the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO’s (DPE’s) 40 years of work to increase the number of professionals in the labor movement from less than 18 percent to 42 percent of all union members. The resolution also endorsed professionals as critical to the future of the labor movement due to their majority support for joining unions and the growth of professional jobs in the workforce.
“When DPE was being created many were skeptical about whether professionals would be drawn to unions, but the skeptics were wrong,” said DPE President Paul E. Almeida. “As DPE’s affiliate unions’ success shows, professionals want to join unions.”
The resolution highlights that while over six million professionals have already chosen to join together to negotiate for better raises, benefits, and working conditions, there is the potential to bring even more into the labor movement. DPE’s survey of non-union professionals conducted last fall revealed that a majority (56%) of non-union professionals would support joining a union at their current job. Recent organizing success among digital journalists, graduate employees, doctors, and non-profit employees, reinforces the survey’s results.
While employment in other sectors has declined or stagnated, employment in professional and technical occupations continues to grow. Over 80 percent of the new jobs created in the last 15 years were in professional and technical occupations. In 1972, professionals were a quarter of the workforce, now they are 38 percent.
“The future of the labor movement is clearly professional,” said Almeida. “DPE will continue to help affiliate unions organize professionals and grow by providing a way for unions to collaborate, share their experiences, and access research-based organizing resources.”
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.
DPE Supports NFL Players’ Ability to Express Themselves
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-638-0320 x115
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2017—Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s remarks criticizing NFL players and calling on NFL team owners to punish players for expressing themselves by kneeling during the national anthem:
“Our unions’ members include over four million professionals working as nurses, teachers, scientists, journalists, performers, and athletes. We lock arms with our union brothers in the NFL in support of their ability to speak out on racial inequality and create change with peaceful action.
NFL players are more than employees of their teams, they are neighbors, family members, and Americans. As community members, NFL players cannot be expected to ignore what goes on outside the walls of NFL stadiums.
Not only do President Trump’s remarks run counter to the values of free speech and expression put forth in the U.S. Constitution, they also suggest that NFL players should have to choose between expressing themselves and maintaining their economic livelihoods. No matter the profession, DPE and its affiliate unions will always be by the side of people using their rights to improve their workplaces and communities.”
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.
Elimination of the DACA Program Will Hurt Countless Young Professionals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-638-0320 x115
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017—Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that allows more than 800,000 undocumented young people brought into the country as children to stay and work in the United States:
“Many of the young people covered by DACA are young professionals, working as teachers, doctors, nurses, and lawyers, who contribute greatly to the American economy. By eliminating the DACA program, President Trump is ripping over 800,000 hard-working young people from their communities, jobs, and families. DPE stands with the young professionals and union members affected by the termination of DACA and will work to help these young people stay in the place that they call home.”
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.
House Subcommittees Provide Operational Funding for NEA, NEH, and CPB
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-638-0320 x115
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2017—This week, the respective U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations subcommittees responsible for the bills to fund the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) approved funding levels that would allow the three institutions to remain operational going forward.
This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies marked up the appropriations bill for the CPB and approved a full, advanced appropriation of $445 million for Fiscal Year 2020. Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies unanimously approved $145 million in funding for the NEA and NEH each—a $5 million cut from Fiscal Year 2017 funding levels. However, the proposed appropriations are significantly higher than the funding levels in the White House’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2018. The administration’s proposed $29 million for the NEA, $42 million for the NEH, and $30 million for the CPB would have begun the process of eliminating the three institutions.
“Despite needless proposed cuts to the NEA and NEH budgets, the actions of the House subcommittees send a message that the NEA, NEH, and CPB are vital to our country’s economy,” said Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida. “The committees listened to our unions and their members when they told Congress that federal arts funding supports family-sustaining jobs in all 50 states. We remain united in seeing to it that at the end of the appropriations process the NEA, NEH, and CPB are fully funded.”
In March, President Donald Trump came out with his “skinny budget,” which proposed eliminating the NEA, NEH, and CPB. DPE and its 12 arts and entertainment affiliate unions responded to the proposed budget by urging Congress to fully fund all three agencies. The presidents of DPE’s arts and entertainment unions along with President Almeida sent a letter to members of Congress in April emphasizing the middle-class jobs in smaller, rural communities supported by federal arts funding. The unions followed up on the April letter with a letter that included a diverse group of employers—ranging from the Motion Picture Association of America to the Tulsa Ballet—notifying Congress that private funds alone would not make up for the loss of the three institutions and that they must be fully funded.
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.
Employers and Unions From Across the Entertainment Industry Urge Full Funding for the NEA, NEH, and CPB
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-638-0320 x115
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2017—A diverse group of employers—ranging from the Motion Picture Association of America to the Tulsa Ballet—united with unions representing professionals from across the arts and entertainment industry to support continued full funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in Fiscal Year 2018. The unions, affiliates of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), represent actors, musicians, dancers, stagehands, and many other entertainment professionals.
In a letter sent to Congress today, the union-employer coalition urged members to maintain current funding levels for the NEA, NEH, and the CPB in next year’s budget. The group emphasized the good jobs supported by the three institutions in every state. The letter also cautioned Congress that private funding alone would not fill the void created by the loss of NEA, NEH, and CPB funding.
“Today’s joint letter should send a clear message to Congress,” said DPE President Paul E. Almeida. “Employers and professionals in the arts and entertainment industry back full funding of the NEA, NEH, and CPB due to the important role these agencies play in supporting jobs and ensuring cultural access in every state, particularly places far removed from cultural centers.”
The organizations that have signed-on to today’s letter include:
Actors’ Equity Association
American Federation of Musicians
American Guild of Musical Artists
American Guild of Variety Artists
Atlanta Ballet
Ballet West
Broadway League
Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO
Directors Guild of America
Guild of Italian American Artists
Houston Ballet
Houston Grand Opera
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
League of Resident Theatres
Metropolitan Opera
Motion Picture Association of America
New York City Ballet
New York City Opera
Off-Broadway League
Office and Professional Employees International Union
Recording Industry Association of America
SAG-AFTRA
San Francisco Opera
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
Thirteen/WNET
Tulsa Ballet
WLIW
Writers Guild of America, East
Today’s letter follows up on a letter sent in early April from the 12 DPE-affiliated entertainment unions to Congress in response to President Trump’s “skinny” budget, which proposed eliminating the NEA and NEH, as well as cutting federal funding for the CPB. During the first week of May, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate voted to fund the three institutions through the end of the 2017 fiscal year. The funding levels for the 2018 fiscal year are still unknown.
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.