As contract negotiations commence for Actors' Equity, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and union leaders emphasize the importance of dignity and fair treatment for workers to sustain Broadway as the entertainment capital. The AFL-CIO, representing 15 million union members across 63 unions, expresses solidarity with Actors' Equity members. Labor leaders from New York City and beyond highlight that gains made in these negotiations resonate throughout the labor movement. The AFL-CIO underscores its commitment to fighting for freedom, fairness, and security for all workers nationwide. Concurrently, the Trump administration has initiated measures to reduce federal workers' union rights, notably starting with staff at the Department of Health and Human Services, which AFL-CIO and Democratic lawmakers criticize as harmful to public health and worker protections. In response, union leaders and Democratic representatives call on Congress to support the Protect America’s Workforce Act to counteract these union-busting efforts. Ahead of Labor Day, the AFL-CIO is organizing a Workers’ Labor Day Week of Action to advocate for an economy that ensures freedom, fairness, and security for workers. Democratic officials also criticize Republican policies for cutting social support programs like SNAP and Medicaid, arguing these measures exacerbate economic hardships for working families.