Union Calls for End to Government Shutdown

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union for federal workers, is advocating for a straightforward continuing resolution (CR) to help end the ongoing government shutdown, aligning with the demands put forth by Republicans who have already passed such a measure.

In a recent blog post titled “It’s past time to end this shutdown,” Everett Kelly, the AFGE’s national president, expressed concerns about the ongoing situation, which has now entered its 27th day. He noted the absence of a clear resolution despite arguments from both political parties.

Kelly urged lawmakers to take decisive action. “Today, I make a decision. It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today. No half-measures, no gamesmanship. Let’s get every federal employee back to work on full pay,” he stated, emphasizing that his union represents over 800,000 federal employees and workers in Washington, D.C.

He pointed out that these individuals—whom he described as “parents, caregivers, and veterans”—are being forced into unpaid labor and facing financial hardships due to political struggles in Washington. “I mean, this is just unacceptable,” he remarked, highlighting how government shutdowns have become a common tactic in current politics. Even Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), the House’s second-ranking Democrat, recently admitted that the suffering caused by such shutdowns is often used for political leverage.

Kelly asserted that there are no winners in shutdowns and called for leaders to shift their focus towards addressing the challenges faced by American citizens instead of engaging in the blame game over the stalemate that the public despises. He added, “It’s crucial for our leaders to move beyond partisan politics and ensure the government operates effectively. A strong America requires a government that fulfills its obligations, honors its commitments, and compensates its workers promptly.”

Notably, the proposals Kelly outlined are exactly what the Republicans have endorsed, while Democrats have continually resisted.

Continuing his statement, he said, “We must work collaboratively across party lines to tackle significant policy issues, like rising costs and reforming dysfunctional spending practices. None of these solutions favor one party over another; they simply seek to guarantee stability and accountability from our government.”

Kelly concluded: “Government belongs to all of us. It’s time to realign and push America forward.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) has been reaching out to Democrats, urging them to join in support of a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government. He criticized the Democratic counterproposals, calling them “dirty” and citing the inclusion of funding for various foreign projects.