Government Partial Shutdown

Government Partial Shutdown

The partial shutdown of the federal government is a major attack on Unions and on the working class. The shutdown is affecting 25 percent of the federal government. More than 400,000 federal workers are effectively locked out, furloughed without pay. Another 400,000 are engaged in compulsory labor without pay.  

The population as a whole will be affected by delays in income tax refunds and other federal stipends. Over and above that, the disruption of air travel as payless paydays drive air traffic controllers and security from their jobs, and by the loss of many other services. 

A partial government shutdown has led to financial stress for federal workers. National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) President Tony Reardon was quoted as saying, “I’ve been dismayed and frankly angered by suggestions that they shouldn’t have financial concern.” 

American Federal Government Employees (AFGE) President J. David Cox Sr. said in a statement, “Our members put their lives on the line to keep our country safe, requiring them to work without pay is nothing short of inhumane.” 

And finally, in a letter sent to Washington D.C. leaders about the shutdown of the United States government, USW President Leo W. Gerard made the following statement, “On behalf of the 850,000 members of the United Steelworkers (USW) and in solidarity with the more than 800,000 workers impacted by this unnecessary shutdown in nine of fifteen federal departments, I urge you to reach an agreement that will allow critical agencies to conduct the necessary tasks to move our economy forward.” 

John Patrick, District 13 SOAR Executive Board Member