As the clock struck midnight on 2024, the Freedom Foundation in New York had much to celebrate — and union bosses every reason to panic.
December alone saw a record-breaking 153 public employees cancel their union dues, capping off a year during which more than 1,500 New Yorkers walked away from their unions.
This milestone represents a turning point for freedom in the Empire State.
But this story goes beyond numbers. It’s a message to union leaders: The era of controlling workers’ paychecks is over.
At an average of $850 per member annually, these opt-outs drained more than $1.2 million from union coffers in 2024 alone. December’s surge accounted for $130,050 of that loss, underscoring a simple truth — when workers understand their rights, they exercise them.
A significant percentage of these opt-outs came from DC37 AFSCME, one of New York City’s most powerful — and infamously corrupt — public-sector unions. This December marked a historic turning point, as DC37 members opted out in unprecedented numbers, sending a clear and resounding message.
It wasn’t a fluke; the outcome was the result of our relentless outreach efforts. Through phone calls, emails and face-to-face conversations, we made sure workers understood their God-given right to stop paying union dues.
Armed with this knowledge, they wasted no time taking back control of their hard-earned paychecks.
But make no mistake — this is only the beginning for DC37 AFSCME. Now that we can directly reach its members, the stage is set for even greater losses in 2025, as more workers reject forced dues and embrace their freedom.
The momentum is unstoppable, and DC37s influence is waning quickly.
Meanwhile, unions like the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) are buckling under their own mismanagement. In 2024, CSEA leaders alienated their members with desperate and sometimes bizarre tactics — like a funeral negotiating stunt that backfired spectacularly.
These actions have only fueled worker dissatisfaction, with many deciding they won’t fund the dysfunction any longer.
Behind every opt-out is a personal story. In 2024, we empowered countless public employees who not only reclaimed their paychecks but inspired their coworkers to do the same.
August, in particular, was a standout month, with 201 opt-outs draining $170,850 from union coffers. But each month brought new stories, new victories and growing momentum.
And 2024 was just the tip of the iceberg. In 2025, we’ll be amplifying our efforts, More mail, more emails, more phone calls and more face-to-face visits.
Our message remains clear and empowering: It’s your paycheck, not the union’s. Take it back. While unions scramble with scare tactics and legal maneuvers to stop the exodus, their desperation only confirms what we already know — the tide has turned.
The Freedom Foundation is ready to tackle every challenge in 2025. With your support, we’ll help even more public employees reclaim their paychecks, their freedom, and their voice.
The fight for freedom isn’t slowing down — it’s accelerating. So, stay tuned as we make 2025 the year big government unions will never forget.
