Federal Workers Union Calls for Immediate End to Shutdown
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing federal workers, has issued a strong appeal to Congress to end the ongoing government shutdown by passing a clean continuing resolution. The union’s president, Everett Kelley, emphasized the urgent need to restore government operations and return federal employees to work with full back pay.
“It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today,” said Kelley. “No half measures, and no gamesmanship. Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay — today.”
The shutdown, which began on October 1, has resulted in approximately 900,000 federal employees being furloughed without pay, straining families and public services nationwide.
Union Highlights Impact on Federal Employees
Kelley highlighted the human toll of the shutdown, noting that many federal workers have been forced to rely on food banks after missing multiple paychecks. He described this situation as “a national disgrace,” underscoring the unfairness faced by public servants caught in political deadlock.
“When the folks who serve this country are standing in line for food banks after missing a second paycheck because of this shutdown, they aren’t looking for partisan spin,” Kelley said. “They’re looking for the wages they earned.”
Political Standoff Over Funding and ACA Subsidies
The shutdown stalemate centers on Senate Democrats’ insistence that any funding measure include an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which currently help more than 20 million Americans afford health insurance but are set to expire at the end of 2025.
Republicans, controlling 53 seats in the Senate, oppose linking ACA subsidies to the immediate funding resolution. They argue that government funding should be restored first, with broader policy debates to follow.
Due to Senate filibuster rules, a minimum of 60 votes is required to pass the continuing resolution, complicating efforts to break the impasse.
While Kelley’s statement did not explicitly address the ACA dispute, he called for reopening the government under a clean continuing resolution that allows further debate on larger policy issues.
“Reopen the government immediately under a clean continuing resolution that allows continued debate on larger issues,” Kelley urged. “Both political parties have made their point, and still there is no clear end in sight.”
Kelley also criticized the recurring use of shutdowns as a political tactic, emphasizing the broader negative consequences.
“There is no ‘winning’ a government shutdown. They cost taxpayers billions, hurt small businesses, and erode confidence in government itself,” he said.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The ongoing government shutdown continues to exert significant pressure on federal employees and the broader economy. The AFGE’s public call for a clean continuing resolution highlights the urgent need for political compromise to restore government functions and worker pay.
- Opportunities: Passing a clean funding measure could quickly restore government services and stabilize federal worker morale.
- Risks: Continued political stalemate risks prolonging furloughs, eroding public trust, and damaging economic activity.
- The dispute over ACA subsidies adds complexity, requiring bipartisan negotiation beyond immediate funding needs.
- Recurrent shutdowns undermine confidence in government effectiveness and fiscal management.
Impact: The resolution of the shutdown is critical to restoring federal operations and maintaining economic confidence. Failure to reach agreement threatens to exacerbate financial hardship for workers and dampen market sentiment.
