David Cann, Director of Organizing for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's response to federal workforce challenges, organizing strategies and the importance of collective action in protecting workers' rights.
Cann highlighted AFGE's proactive approach to anticipated attacks on federal workers' rights. The union grew by 9 percent in early 2025 as employees sought protection against promised job cuts and union rights restrictions. He noted that the AFGE successfully moved over 130,000 members from payroll dues deduction to direct dues payment in the first 100 days of the year, safeguarding the union's ability to represent workers despite government attempts to strip union rights from over 1 million federal employees.
The Director of Organizing emphasized the critical role of grassroots organizing in maintaining AFGE's strength. Despite losing members due to government actions, the union now stands at over 220,000 members, he said. Cann outlined innovative recruitment strategies, including virtual outreach, digital platforms and community events. He stressed the importance of one-on-one conversations and peer-to-peer engagement in building union power and solidarity.
Cann underscored the broader labor movement's support for AFGE's fight against attacks on federal workers. He explained that unions across the AFL-CIO and beyond recognize these attacks as a threat to all working people. Cann expressed optimism about winning most of these fights, citing growing public support for unions and the essential services provided by federal workers. He emphasized the need for continued education and mobilization to protect American workers and services from harmful policies.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about AFGE's strategies for protecting federal workers' rights and the importance of union solidarity in challenging times.