Public Services Resources

This AFT report is the result of a yearlong study of the crisis of staff shortages within the local, state and federal government workforces. Our recommendations focus on practical solutions to attract and retain quality public sector employees, with a focus on democracy’s reliance on a well-staffed public infrastructure. Without public healthcare workers, safety officers, civil engineers, public defenders, or sanitation and transportation workers, how would our cities and states function? From lifeguards to state chemists, AFT members weighed in on the working conditions they envisioned for public workers: a fully-staffed, safe, equitable and fair workplace, open to talented members who reflect our diverse communities.

Public employees are the backbone of the services that keep our communities safe, functional and just. Whether you work in a courthouse, public school, state agency, hospital or municipal office, your role is essential to strengthening public trust and upholding democratic values. You may find yourself on the frontlines if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers come into your workplace seeking information or access. As a public worker, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities when these situations arise—not just to protect yourself and your colleagues, but to ensure that the communities you serve are treated with dignity and fairness.