Union members: ‘Gas prices are temporary; authoritarianism is forever’ as pro-worker candidates surge

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released this statement following big wins for working families in the 2022 midterms:

“The 2022 midterm elections are a big win for working people and a striking rebuke to creeping authoritarianism in America.

“While the economy remains a concern for many, there is no doubt working people have made progress over the past two years – from low unemployment to lower prescription drug costs to student debt relief. Last night working people chose this progress over political extremists hellbent on taking away our rights and freedoms. In other words, gas prices are temporary; authoritarianism is forever.

“As a union of 1.4 million public service workers, AFSCME congratulates the numerous pro-worker senators, representatives, governors, state legislators and many others who won their elections last night. Candidates up and down the ballot proudly embraced the union label and we look forward to working with them to continue making progress for working people nationwide.

“As the labor movement has done throughout history, AFSCME is proud to stand up and fight for democracy.”