Senate Democrats Ignore Union Appeals Amid Ongoing Shutdown

Senate Democrats have cast aside pleas from the largest federal employee union to persuade lawmakers to bring an end to the prolonged government shutdown.

“It’s crucial for our leaders to concentrate on solving the issues faced by the American people instead of debating who is at fault for these shutdowns that everyone dislikes,” remarked the union.

As the shutdown heads into its fifth week, the American Federation of Government Employees, representing over 800,000 workers, urged both parties to set aside “partisan bias” and take steps that would prevent federal employees from missing out on their wages.

“While both parties are presenting their arguments, a resolution still feels distant,” commented Everett Kelly, the president of AFGE. He called for a straightforward continuing resolution to end the shutdown immediately, emphasizing there should be no room for compromises or political games.

Earlier, Republicans had proposed a clean continuing resolution to maintain government operations until November 21, yet Democrats have blocked it multiple times.

“When federal workers have to rely on food banks due to missed paychecks from this shutdown, they’re not looking for political spin,” Kelly continued. “They want the salary they’ve rightfully earned. It is a national disgrace that they are being deprived of that.”

“It’s time for our nation’s leaders to focus on addressing the problems of the American people, rather than pointing fingers about the shutdowns,” he reiterated.

Related: Capitol Police are reportedly forced to take out loans to manage their expenses during the government shutdown, according to union representatives.

Despite AFGE’s advocacy, reports indicate that Democratic leaders remain largely unaffected by the union’s demands, even as over a million federal employees go without pay.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin acknowledged that AFGE’s statements carry significant weight and noted their longstanding partnership; however, he indicated that there had been no shifts in their current stance.

Related: Trump administration criticizes Senate Democrats regarding the SNAP issue: ‘The well has run dry.’

Senator Tim Kaine also weighed in, expressing concern for the union’s position. He emphasized, though, that any deal must be sound, noting that if an agreement was reached only for President Trump to initiate layoffs shortly afterward, it would lead to widespread dissatisfaction.

In September, AFGE initiated a lawsuit urging the Trump administration to prevent any layoffs of federal employees during the shutdown.