On Dec. 7, 2017, the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, (DPE) celebrates its 40th anniversary.
In honor of DPE’s 40th year, we reflect on the growth of professional union members and recognize DPE’s affiliate unions. Since DPE’s founding, professional union members have grown from 18% to 42% of the labor movement. Today, more than 6 million professionals—including doctors, nurses, teachers, professors, scientists, engineers, entertainers, performers, sales representatives and administrative personnel—have joined together in union to negotiate for better pay, benefits and working conditions.
Here’s a message from DPE President Paul E. Almeida marking the occasion:
Earlier this year, the AFL-CIO 2017 Convention recognized the dramatic growth of professionals in unions and professionals’ role in the future of the labor movement when the delegates adopted Resolution 36—Celebrating DPE: 40 Years of Growing Professional Union Membership.
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler congratulated DPE:
.@AFLCIO Secretary-Treasurer @lizshuler says happy birthday to DPE! Thanks Secretary-Treasurer Shuler! #40YearsofDPE #1u pic.twitter.com/6BrwKEgs6Y
— DPE (@DPEaflcio) December 7, 2017
Portions of this post originally appeared at DPE.