This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 64 of our affiliates. Next up is the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA).

Name of Union: Major League Soccer Players Association

Mission: We empower the players by establishing a supportive community and unified voice that positively impacts the lives of our past, current and future members.

Current Leadership of Union: The players on each team vote by secret ballot to elect a player representative, and those player representatives elect a nine-player executive board. The current executive board includes Alex Bono, Earl Edwards Jr., Cristian Espinoza, Matt Freese, Mark-Anthony Kaye, JT Marcinkowski, Eric Miller, Paxton Pomykal and Dayne St. Clair.

The daily operations of the association are run by Executive Director Bob Foose, who has filled this role since the association’s formation in 2003. During his tenure, the association has successfully negotiated four collective bargaining agreements, substantially broadening player rights and compensation with the establishment and expansion of overall league salary spends, minimum salaries, bonuses, free agency, retirement benefits, a grievance and arbitration system, group licensing, and the protection of player rights under the workers’ compensation system. During this time, the budget and staff of the association have more than quadrupled and the association has maintained near 100% membership among MLS players.

Current Number of Members: More than 800

Members Work As: Professional soccer players

Industries Represented: Men’s professional soccer

History: On April 17, 2003, the MLS Players Union was recognized as the exclusive collective bargaining representative of all MLS players, becoming the first labor organization formed by MLS players. On Dec. 1, 2004, the union and MLS signed the first collective bargaining agreement in MLS. The agreement raised the minimum salary, increased incentive bonuses, guaranteed fully paid health insurance for all players, created the first grievance and arbitration system in MLS, and created a 401(k) plan for players. On March 20, 2010, the union and MLS agreed to terms on a second collective bargaining agreement. This agreement significantly increased the number of players with guaranteed contracts, limited the number of options in players’ contracts, increased all economic terms, created new benefits for players, and increased player rights to move within the league by creating the reentry draft. 

From Dec. 8–15, 2010, for the first time in MLS history, players had leverage to negotiate fair terms with their current teams when their contracts expired and had the ability to move within the league if they chose to do so through the reentry draft. On March 4, 2015, the union and MLS agreed to terms on a third collective bargaining agreement. Under this agreement, restricted free agency was introduced for the first time in league history. Players who were 28 with at least eight years of MLS for the first time could choose which team within MLS to play for when signing a new contract. In addition, the number of players with guaranteed contracts increased, and all economic terms increased. On Dec. 14, 2015, the first free agent in MLS history, Justin Mapp, signed the first free agent contract in MLS history with Sporting Kansas City. On Dec. 14, 2017, the MLS Players Union changed its name to the MLS Players Association and launched a full rebranding.

On Feb. 6, 2020, the union and MLS agreed to the fourth collective bargaining agreement in MLSPA history. This historic deal dramatically increased free agency rights and more than doubled the number of eligible players. The agreement steadily increases salary budgets and player compensation, with the average salary reaching over $500,000 and the senior minimum salary over $100,000 by the end of the deal.

Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The MLSPA provides health and safety resources for both current and former players. Additionally, the MLSPA offers a host of other programs for players and provides a player salary guide. The Player Programs department also hosts biweekly Career Conversations with current and former players to highlight and encourage off-field pursuits. The players association works closely with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to bring mini-pitches to local communities to ensure safe places to play are available to all. 

Learn More: Website, X, Instagram, LinkedIn

The 2026 AFL-CIO Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference is officially underway in Baltimore!

Day 1 started off strong with opening remarks from AFL-CIO Civil, Human and Women's Rights Director Alex Rias, followed by a warm welcome from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. The afternoon wrapped up with an Evening with Labor Legends panel—moderated by the Rev. Mark Thompson—featuring powerful reflections by former Maryland State Sen. Michael Mitchell, AFT Secretary-Treasurer Emerita Dr. Lorretta Johnson, Maryland State Sen. and Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 24 member Cory McCray, and American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 181 member Rictarsha (Rikki) Westmoreland.

“This weekend we will reflect on the work of the leaders and organizers who came before us and to learn from the struggles of the activists who fought for us to be in this very room,” said Rias. “And now, we must do everything in our power to ensure that their sacrifice is honored as we fight for our own future.”

Dr. King’s leadership showed us that civil rights and labor rights are deeply connected. That’s why America’s unions are on the front lines fighting for justice for all, and why we’ll keep fighting so all working people have the dignity and respect they deserve.

You can listen live to Day 2 of the conference at aflcio.tv and TheMLKConference.org.

Tags: MLK conference

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Cable, telephone and broadband workers at Optimum in Greenwood Lake, New York, voted to organize with Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 363.

The union election was held Jan. 7. The Greenwood Lake employees join Optimum workers in nearby West Nyack, who organized with the local last September.

“This victory shows that Optimum workers want a real voice on the job,” said Sam Fratto, business manager of Local 363. “Like the workers in West Nyack, Greenwood Lake employees are standing together to win fair wages, strong benefits and clear protections through a union contract.”

On Jan. 7, the Trump administration announced it would withdraw the United States from 66 international organizations, conventions and treaties, including the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development. International spaces like these are where the United States—together with other countries—has, for nearly a century, set and maintained global standards for workers. We regret the administration’s decision to withdraw from these critical mechanisms of international cooperation. 

U.S. engagement in multilateral institutions provides stability and advances our national interests, including the economic and social interests of America's workers. U.S. leadership in the UNFCCC negotiations, for example, catalyzed clean energy investment and export opportunities around the world, creating good union jobs for America's workers. Without the U.S. government at the table, our competitors will move forward and negotiate agreements about the future of energy without us. 

The trade union movement is and will continue to be an international movement, based on the shared interests of the working class. In order to address global problems like workers’ rights, inequality, the environment and security, the AFL-CIO remains committed to working together with partners in global fora. 

Additional References:

• U.N. Conference on Trade and Development set guardrails for global economies
• AFL-CIO Statement on the U.S. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement (2025)
• Paris Climate Agreement Withdrawal a Failure of American Leadership | AFL-CIO (2017)
• Resolution 5: Climate Change, Energy and Union Jobs | AFL-CIO (2022)
• Resolution 55: Climate Change, Energy and Union Jobs | AFL-CIO (2017)

In the midst of attacks on voting rights, worker protections and civil liberties nationwide, union members and labor leaders are convening in Baltimore today for the start of the 2026 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference.

For four days, faith and civil rights advocates and working people across the country will gather to talk about the Trump administration’s coordinated efforts to roll back working people’s freedoms and strategize how our movement will fight back and build a better world for us all. Attendees will hear from compelling speakers, participate in workshops and sit in on panels discussing some of the most pressing issues facing our movement today.

You can listen live at aflcio.tv and themlkconference.org.

Tags: MLK conference

Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.

Science News Media Guild Ratifies First Collective Bargaining Agreement with COLA Adjustments, Paid Sick Leave and Other Benefits: The workers behind Science News and Science News Explores—who are represented by the WBNG, TNG-CWA Local 32035—have ratified their first union contract. Members have been fighting for this moment since first voting to form the Science News Media Guild in 2023. Highlights of the agreement include cost-of-living adjustments, paid sick leave, just-cause rights, parental leave, artificial intelligence protections and more. “The road to this first contract was not a short one, but it was incredibly inspiring to see our guild unite in pursuit of a better workplace. I’m so grateful to all of my colleagues, especially the negotiations team, and everyone else who has supported us along the way,” says Nikk Ogasa, a staff writer for Science News.

Kaldi’s Coffee Workers Vote to Join UNITE HERE: Despite union-busting from management, staff at a Kaldi’s Coffee location in St. Louis have voted to form a union with UNITE HERE Local 74. Eight of the coffee chain’s storefronts in the city publicly announced their intent to organize in November 2025—this is the first National Labor Relations Board vote to be held so far. Workers cite low pay and poor working conditions as core motivators for joining UNITE HERE. “Today’s vote proves that workers are stronger united and that when we stand together, we win,” said Aliyah Wilcox, an employee at Kaldi's. “We will keep fighting for better conditions at the workplace that we love, and we hope that Kaldi’s will stop fighting us and start negotiating. We love this community, and we’re here to stay.”

IAM Members at Alstom Ratify Strong First CBA with Wage Increases and Other Benefits: IAM Union members who work at Alstom Transportation in Plattsburgh, New York, voted last week to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement. Workers at this facility are essential to the manufacturing, assembly and repair of passenger rail cars and locomotives. As IAM Union members, they finally have a contract that reflects and compensates the skilled labor that keeps public transportation running nationwide. Their agreement includes wins like wage increases, shift differentials, expanded sick leave, layoff protections and so much more. “This agreement replaces uncertainty with enforceable rules and real protections,” said IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the Rail Division Josh Hartford. “More importantly, it establishes a solid foundation from which IAM Union members at Alstom can continue to build power, improve working conditions, and raise standards across the rail industry. Congratulations to the members, stewards, bargaining committee, and IAM Organizing Department on this important victory.”

West Virginia Mine Wars Museum Staff Join UMWA: Staff at the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum have been sworn in as members of Mine Workers (UMWA) Local 1440. The museum is the largest exhibition in the United States about a series of bloody clashes in the early 20th century between coal companies and miners seeking fair working conditions. Local 1440’s union hall is just blocks from the museum itself (which was previously owned by the union) and the site of a historic shootout during the Mine Wars. These newly minted members will be part of UMWA District 17, which has a powerful legacy of militant labor history. “We are honored and excited to represent the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum staff as members of the United Mine Workers of America,” said UMWA International President Brian Sanson. “These workers protect and share the story of sacrifice, solidarity, and courage that defines our union. We are proud to stand with them, to represent them, and to welcome them home to the UMWA family.”

Pittsburgh City Workers Ratify New Three-Year Agreement with New Minimum Wage, Other Benefits: Members of AFSCME Local 2719—part of AFSCME Council 13—who work for the city of Pittsburgh have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new contract. Highlights of the agreement include a new minimum wage, stronger grievance language, a sick bank for members in times of need, longevity payments, preferential bidding opportunities for all city jobs for AFSCME members and more. Members stood together and ensured there were no significant givebacks in the three-year deal. And if that weren’t enough to celebrate, AFSCME also succeeded in expanding the contract’s coverage to new bargaining unit positions. “Our local members showed up, not only at the bargaining table through our bargaining team, but also at the ballot box to have their voices heard,” said Craig Sippel, president of Local 2719. “We as a team put in the work, and it paid off big for our members.”

South Florida Nurses Reach Tentative Deal with HSA, Averting Strike: National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) members at three Healthcare Systems of America (HSA) facilities in South Florida successfully reached a new tentative agreement with management on Thursday, calling off their threat to strike as they prepare for a ratification vote. Registered nurses at Florida Medical Center, Palmetto General Hospital and Coral Gables Hospital flexed their unity and proved to administrators they were willing to walk off the job to secure the safe staffing ratios. The hospitals were previously owned by Steward Health Care and then sold to HSA during bankruptcy proceedings. Members hoped new management would improve conditions, but they were forced to threaten a strike in order to get the contract they needed to ensure quality patient care. “We were ready to show HSA management that we are serious about safe staffing with our strike,” said Lazaro Garcia, RN at Palmetto General Hospital. “Safely staffing every unit on every shift is the number one way to improve patient care and working conditions at our hospitals. We’re glad to have safe staffing measures in this new deal.”

IBEW, Laborers and IUOE Celebrate Solar Project Groundbreaking: Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 575, Laborers (LIUNA) Local 83 and Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 18 are celebrating the start of construction on the Palomino Solar Energy Project in Highland County, Ohio.  The three unions worked closely with the developer to ensure the project would prioritize local hiring and be built by skilled union members working under the highest labor standards. “The groundbreaking is the culmination of years of work. We’re not just planning a project, but fighting to keep these jobs local and supporting families right here in Highland County,” said James McGraw, business manager of LIUNA Local 83. “This project gives our Laborers an opportunity to head into work today, building the foundation for Ohio’s energy future, while earning the wages and benefits they deserve. We’re proud to put our members’ expertise to work.” “IBEW members are uniquely trained for the highly specialized, high‑tech work required to build a utility‑scale solar facility like Palomino,” said Joe Dillow, business manager of IBEW Local 575. “This project secures at least a year of work for our members and provides critical on‑the‑job training in the energy sector. We’re not just building a project, we’re building a career pipeline for the next generation of Ohio’s electricians.” “Projects of this scale require the best equipment operators and the safest standards, which is exactly what our members at IUOE Local 18 deliver,” added Kip Siesel, business representative for IUOE Local 18. “This project is moving forward because our three unions came together with the best expertise to get the job done right. We are proud to support this project for our members and for the economic health of the entire region.”

Sun Sentinel Journalists Ratify Historic First Contract, Secure Pay Increases, Bonus: Members of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) who work at the South Florida Sun Sentinel have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement with the newspaper’s management and parent company, Alden Global Capital. The SunSentinel Guild bargaining unit unanimously approved the two-year deal, which establishes annual raises and landmark protections from artificial intelligence. This is the first union contract in the newspaper’s 115-year history. “I could not be more proud of our unit membership for voting unanimously to ratify this contract,” said AmyBeth Bennett, a Sun Sentinel photographer who led a bargaining committee that negotiated with Alden management. “Being able to give our membership 3% raises this year and next, as well as a $1,500 bonus, seems like a pretty great holiday present to me!”

Milwaukee Discovery World Workers Vote to Join IAM Union: Museum staff at Discovery World in Milwaukee have overwhelmingly voted to join the IAM Union, becoming the latest cultural workers to form a union to secure a voice on the job. Despite repeated union-busting tactics from management—including the shameful termination of an outspoken supporter of the organizing drive—workers stood together and won their election. The newly minted IAM Union members are looking forward to bargaining a contract that ensures fair pay, a path to career advancement and protections from retaliation. “Congratulations to the Discovery World workers on making their voices heard and officially winning their union election,” said IAM Midwest Territory Special Representative Adante Balke. “These dedicated employees are coming together to demand respect, fair wages, better benefits, and greater transparency in promotions and hiring. By standing united, they are now preparing to bargain collectively for a stronger future.”

New Haven Teachers Secure 13.53% Raises: Members of the New Haven (Connecticut) Federation of Teachers (NHFT), AFT Local 933, have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with city officials. The NHFT bargaining unit covers educators who serve more than 18,000 students across 40 schools. The city’s Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved the deal, which includes a 13.53% pay increase over three years, more prep days and improved health care provisions. “This is a fair contract that will benefit all 1,175 members in the years that come,” said Jenny Graves, NHFT vice president. “We also know there is a lot of work to be done. Our students shouldn’t have to learn in buildings with no heat and leaky ceilings. Our educators shouldn’t have to dig into their own pockets to fund their classrooms.”

Tags: Organizing

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Members of the New Haven (Connecticut) Federation of Teachers (NHFT), AFT Local 933, have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with city officials.

The NHFT bargaining unit covers educators who serve more than 18,000 students across 40 schools. The city’s Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved the deal, which includes a 13.53% pay increase over three years, more prep days and improved health care provisions.

“This is a fair contract that will benefit all 1,175 members in the years that come,” said Jenny Graves, NHFT vice president. “We also know there is a lot of work to be done. Our students shouldn’t have to learn in buildings with no heat and leaky ceilings. Our educators shouldn’t have to dig into their own pockets to fund their classrooms.”

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Staff at the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum have been sworn in as members of Mine Workers (UMWA) Local 1440.

The museum is the largest exhibition in the United States about a series of bloody clashes in the early 20th century between coal companies and miners seeking fair working conditions. Local 1440’s union hall is just blocks from the museum itself (which was previously owned by the union) and the site of a historic shootout during the Mine Wars. These newly minted members will be part of UMWA District 17, which has a powerful legacy of militant labor history.

“We are honored and excited to represent the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum staff as members of the United Mine Workers of America,” said UMWA International President Brian Sanson. “These workers protect and share the story of sacrifice, solidarity, and courage that defines our union. We are proud to stand with them, to represent them, and to welcome them home to the UMWA family.”

It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X.

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

‼️ STRIKE ALERT ‼️

Solano County workers represented by @seiu1021, @IFPTE21, IUOE Local 39 and @UAPD are leading a HISTORIC 2-day strike starting TOMORROW!

Workers are standing up against chronic understaffing and rising healthcare costs so they can deliver essential public…

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) January 13, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

In just the last year, 12 Champaign residents have graduated from the Climate Works pre-apprenticeship program and we are excited to welcome even more.

Learn how this program is changing lives:https://t.co/XqM7kjNA9Q pic.twitter.com/7Fl2HEpTy5

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 7, 2026

Maine AFL-CIO:

NMMC nurses in Fort Kent won their recertification election despite union busters using every tool they had to decertify their union. The same day MMC nurses in Portland won a new contract that protects patient safety! WHEN WE FIGHT WE WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/Acyf2hJwnU

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) January 9, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Greywater recycling is a tool to fight climate change and build resilient infrastructure – our unions have the skills and workers to get projects done.

We are committed to finding the right solutions for workers, communities and our environment.@ClimateJobsMA @Mass_BTU #mapoli pic.twitter.com/FwAgNlXtCd

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 13, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

They say elephants never forget. Irony aside, neither do we. pic.twitter.com/CjmxSVqjUy

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

We are stronger together! The Minnesota AFL-CIO staff are in solidarity today with all the @EducationMN Locals still fighting for a fair contract. #UnitedWeWin #NewYearNoContract pic.twitter.com/zRGuUJ9fTp

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 8, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Missourians cannot afford to have health insurance premiums go through the roof. We need action NOW to lower costs & improve care. 

Extending the ACA to prevent price hikes is a good first step. The President’s threat to veto this bipartisan bill makes no sense. What’s his plan? https://t.co/Pq9TJC2ZNu

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 13, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Thank you, Assemblymember @Carter4NV, for taking the time to speak with our retirees and for recognizing their lifelong dedication!

We appreciate your leadership and the work the Legislature has done to support Nevada’s retirees. pic.twitter.com/RFnAwudh9y

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

Largest nurses strike in NYC history! @nynurses standing up and fighting for a fair contract across the city against greedy CEOs. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/lPcd0X4WQ9

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

Solidarity with the family and friends of Renee Nicole Good and the people of Minnesota as they grieve and resist. #1u @BraxtonWinston pic.twitter.com/IEHJ7mT00U

— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) January 9, 2026

Ohio AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to the Rising Star Coffee workers for forming their #union with @OPEIU . Welcome to the @aflcio labor movement. pic.twitter.com/X7N487hwvm

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 9, 2026

Oregon AFL-CIO:

On Saturday, working class Oregonians joined @AFTOregon and @AFTunion for a vigil as part of a weekend packed with actions and mobilizations in Oregon and across the nation after immigration officials shot community members in Minneapolis and Portland last week.

We are standing… pic.twitter.com/ORrANsP5zS

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Last night, @AlleghenyLabor elected John Galuska as President.

A leader in @afscmecouncil13, Galuska is a 38-year trade unionist with former membership in the @Teamsters & @LaborersUnion. We look forward to working with John, to strengthen our unions & defend workers’ rights. pic.twitter.com/bw8ID5mfkC

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 9, 2026

Texas AFL-CIO:

NEW: U.S. Representative @AdelitaForAZ is joining us at this year’s COPE Convention!

Join us in Georgetown on Jan. 24-25 to hear from Rep. Grijalva and other leaders about how workers can win together in our fight against billionaires.

Details: https://t.co/QwLeNaMr2E pic.twitter.com/nQxoqJtrqX

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 13, 2026

Virginia AFL-CIO:

The labor movement stands with all who defend civil rights and human dignity. We condemn the killing of an innocent bystander by an ICE agent. 

Full Statement: https://t.co/lIHZap3MFn

— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) January 8, 2026

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

President Sims drops our top 6 pro-worker priorities for the 60 day legislative session. Now can she do it in 60 seconds? #WaLeg pic.twitter.com/HRs8VUEfot

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.

Actors' Equity:

Swing Day 2025 is Wednesday, January 21! Time to study up on some swing terminology. Today, let's look at the basics... What is a swing? #EquityTeamSwing

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— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) January 14, 2026 at 11:09 AM

AFSCME:

Work hard. Retire with security. That’s what working people deserve. pic.twitter.com/XGwKyUiIYI

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 13, 2026

Alliance for Retired Americans:

When we receive our Social Security checks, we're getting the money we've already spent a lifetime earning. In other words, it's OUR money.

Never let anyone tell you it's a handout. It's OURS!

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 13, 2026

Amalgamated Transit Union:

The ATU mourns the passing of Claudette Colvin who helped sparked the civil rights movement by refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery Alabama bus months before Rosa Parks did the same. We honor her legacy of courage by continuing to fight for justice and equality for all.…

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 14, 2026

American Federation of Musicians:

AFM Stands in Solidarity with UAW Against Conn-Selmer Offshoring ✊
The AFM and President Tino Gagliardi are standing firm with the UAW following Conn-Selmer’s decision to close its Eastlake, Ohio, plant and move manufacturing to China.
This move is a betrayal of the union… pic.twitter.com/VGbbR5ltJr

— AFM (@The_AFM) January 11, 2026

American Federation of Teachers:

To our educators, healthcare professionals and public employees: You faced down incredible challenges this year with grace and grit. Thank you for fighting for our schools, our hospitals, our communities and our future. Wishing you a season filled with peace, love and solidarity.