Resources

The Department for Professional Employees (DPE), AFL-CIO, is a vital advocate and resource for our 24 affiliated national unions, representing over four million professional and technical employees. DPE supports affiliates through three interconnected areas:

Advance Union Professionals’ Federal Legislative Policy Priorities

DPE is the primary federal policy advocate for union professionals. Working in partnership with affiliated unions, we develop and advance legislative and regulatory priorities affecting professionals across industries.

DPE supports affiliates through:

  • Legislative and regulatory advocacy

  • Policy research and analysis 

  • Coordinated cross-union campaigns

Explore

DPE Legislative and Policy Agenda
Policy Letters
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industries (AEMI) Coalition 


Strategic Communications and Outreach

DPE shapes the public narrative and amplifies the voice of professional union members through media relations, social media, uplifting organizing and bargaining wins, and publishing op-eds. We also build and sustain coalitions within and outside of the labor movement to advance issues important to union professionals, society, and the economy.

DPE supports affiliates through:

  • Communicating union value to professionals

  • Media engagement

  • Coalition building 

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Union Difference for Professionals
Racial Justice Toolkit
Organizing Stories
Op-eds
Press Releases
CPI


Organize Professionals and Strengthen Membership

DPE assists affiliate organizing efforts by offering strategic advice, specialized research, access to survey data, and opportunities for sharing best-practices. We also provide resources to help affiliates enhance their member engagement programs, recognizing that an informed and active membership is vital for a strong union.

DPE supports affiliates through:

  • Strategic new organizing

  • Member engagement initiatives and resources

  • Preparing for contract campaigns

Explore

Strategic Organizing Campaign Support
Affiliate-Only Resources