Federal Workers Union Head Urges End to Government Shutdown Amid Growing Crisis
The head of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents over 800,000 federal workers, has issued a stark warning that the government shutdown must come to an end immediately. In a statement, Everett Kelley emphasized that lawmakers need to put aside their differences and pass a "clean" continuing resolution to reopen the government.
Kelley's call for action comes as hundreds of thousands of employees are facing their second missed paycheck, leaving many struggling to pay their bills. The union leader described these workers as "patriotic Americans – parents, caregivers, and veterans – forced to work without pay while struggling to cover rent, groceries, gas, and medicine due to political disagreements in Washington." He deemed this situation "unacceptable."
The crisis extends beyond federal workers, with 42 million Americans who rely on food assistance facing potential losses as the shutdown continues. The US agriculture department warned states it would run out of money to pay for the program if the current funding lapse is not addressed.
Kelley outlined three immediate steps that must be taken: reopening the government under a continuing resolution, ensuring full back pay for affected workers, and addressing policy disputes through normal legislative debate rather than shutdown tactics. He emphasized the importance of treating federal workers with respect by paying them on time, stating that "a strong America requires a functioning government – one that pays its bills, honors its commitments, and treats its workforce with respect."
The standoff between Democrats and Republicans has led to 12 blocked attempts at passing a Republican-backed continuing resolution, which would extend Affordable Care Act health subsidies. However, Senate Democrats have maintained their stance, and no negotiations are scheduled between the parties.
Kelley's statement serves as a reminder that the shutdown is now in its 31st day, with no end in sight. The union leader's words echo the growing frustration among federal workers who are feeling the brunt of this crisis.
The head of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents over 800,000 federal workers, has issued a stark warning that the government shutdown must come to an end immediately. In a statement, Everett Kelley emphasized that lawmakers need to put aside their differences and pass a "clean" continuing resolution to reopen the government.
Kelley's call for action comes as hundreds of thousands of employees are facing their second missed paycheck, leaving many struggling to pay their bills. The union leader described these workers as "patriotic Americans – parents, caregivers, and veterans – forced to work without pay while struggling to cover rent, groceries, gas, and medicine due to political disagreements in Washington." He deemed this situation "unacceptable."
The crisis extends beyond federal workers, with 42 million Americans who rely on food assistance facing potential losses as the shutdown continues. The US agriculture department warned states it would run out of money to pay for the program if the current funding lapse is not addressed.
Kelley outlined three immediate steps that must be taken: reopening the government under a continuing resolution, ensuring full back pay for affected workers, and addressing policy disputes through normal legislative debate rather than shutdown tactics. He emphasized the importance of treating federal workers with respect by paying them on time, stating that "a strong America requires a functioning government – one that pays its bills, honors its commitments, and treats its workforce with respect."
The standoff between Democrats and Republicans has led to 12 blocked attempts at passing a Republican-backed continuing resolution, which would extend Affordable Care Act health subsidies. However, Senate Democrats have maintained their stance, and no negotiations are scheduled between the parties.
Kelley's statement serves as a reminder that the shutdown is now in its 31st day, with no end in sight. The union leader's words echo the growing frustration among federal workers who are feeling the brunt of this crisis.
... the government shutdown is getting super out of hand! I mean, 800k+ people are struggling to pay their bills and it's just not right. The fact that lawmakers can't even agree on a simple continuing resolution is crazy 
. It's like they're more worried about blocking each other's stuff than actually doing the job.
... 42 million people relying on food assistance? That's just insane! The US agriculture department should be able to pay for its programs without all this drama 
. It's time for our leaders to get their act together and pass a "clean" CR ASAP.
... they're the backbone of this country, working hard every day to keep things running. No one deserves to go two weeks without pay 
. Let's hope Kelley's words can bring some much-needed sanity to this situation 
.
. It's not right that they're having to deal with financial struggles because of politics 
. I think Kelley is spot on that lawmakers should just pass a 'clean' CR already 
. The fact that it's been 31 days and there's no end in sight is really concerning 
. These workers are like the backbone of our country, keeping everything running behind the scenes 
. They deserve to be paid on time and treated with respect 
.
I'm literally so worried about these fed workers who are struggling to pay their bills and stuff 
It's like the government is just playing politics with people's lives 
That's just heartbreaking. I mean, we need a functioning gov't to pay our bills and honor our commitments 
But it's all getting stuck in this stalemate between the parties 
It's like they're not even listening to each other 
We need some adulting from our lawmakers ASAP 
We need a clean continuing resolution ASAP so these patriots can get back to work and pay their bills 
. I mean, come on, our feds are already struggling to pay their bills and now they're facing a second missed paycheck? It's just not right. These people are working hard to keep our country running but it feels like the politicians in Washington are more interested in playing politics than doing what's best for America 
. It's time to put aside our differences and prioritize the well-being of our country's workers 
.
Treat those workers with respect and pay them on time, for Pete's sake!