Government Unions are Losing Money and Members—but Not Power and Influence

Originally published by Penn Live/Patriot-News.

Pennsylvania’s second-largest union is on the brink of collapse. 

Last year, the Harrisburg-based subsidiary of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)—better known as Council 13—was in dire straits. Citing “serious financial problems,” AFSCME International took over Council 13 to right the ship on March 1, 2024. 

The news of the takeover must have blindsided AFSCME 13’s members. Before the announcement, Council 13’s required fiscal year (FY) 2022–23 financial disclosure was already months overdue, leaving members guessing about the true state of their union’s finances. 

One year later (and nearly two years past due), they finally have answers. Council 13’s FY 2022–23 filing is a sob story for members. The union reported about $79 million in financial liabilities but only $7.5 million in assets—more than $71 million in the red. Since 2010, Council 13’s liabilities have increased by $43 million, while assets decreased by $34 million. 

Read more at Penn Live/Patriot-News.