P.E.O.P.L.E.
Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality

What is PEOPLE?

PEOPLE is AFSCME’s legislative/political action program. PEOPLE is Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality.

PEOPLE is also the official name of AFSCME’s political action committee and is registered with the Federal Election Commission. Federal law and some state laws prohibit the use of union dues money to support political candidates. Campaign contributions by AFSCME to these candidates must come from a separate voluntary fund.

Why PEOPLE?

As workers who provide important services to the public, we are faced with special problems. Politicians and others frequently use public employees as "scapegoats" to justify layoffs, contracting out, closing facilities, etc. Those of us who are retired AFSCME members also face attacks on our hard-earned retirement benefits. Through the political process we can have a voice in setting important public policy. Through the political process public employees can elect politicians who are sensitive to maintaining vital public services and dealing with workers fairly.

"Your ability to gain at the bargaining table is directly related to your past gains politically. AFSCME PEOPLE is our vehicle to get the job done."

Gerald W. McEntee, International President

"Being active in PEOPLE is the single best way to build the Union and to make a political statement. We want a better life, better quality of public services and to be able to live with dignity on and off the job."

William Lucy, International Secretary-Treasurer

PEOPLE at Work

It all starts with you, AFSCME PEOPLE works so members can have a say in their own destiny. We work for a better quality of life for ourselves, our families, our communities.

Raising volunteer PEOPLE dollars is hard, but necessary work. PEOPLE dollars help fuel this Union’s legislative and political programs. It takes hard-earned PEOPLE dollars to get the job done.

AFSCME PEOPLE knows that if we sit back and do nothing there will be
more cutbacks, more privatization, and more heartache for those least able to care for themselves.