Unions react quickly to attacks on federal workers

Unions reacted swiftly Thursday to moves by the new Congress targeting federal workers. “The labor movement is under serious and immediate attack,” AFSCME Council 26 Executive Director Carl Goldman (right) told Union City inresponse to the news that House Republicans had reinstated an arcane procedural rule that enables lawmakers to reach deep into the budget and slash the pay of an individual federal worker — down to as little as $1 — a move that threatens to upend the 130-year-old civil service. “In addition to all the attacks on the rights, pay and benefits of federal workers, we are expecting legislative proposals that would make it impossible for our unions to function,” Goldman added.

Later on ThursdayAFGE president J. David Cox Sr. issued a warning that “Congress is going to introduce the Promote Accountability and Government Efficiency (PAGE) Act,” which, among other things, would make all new federal workers “at will,” completely change the federal pay system and eliminate official time, so that union representatives can no longer work to protect federal worker’s pay, benefits and jobs during the work day. AFGE has launched a campaign urging members of Congress not to support the PAGE Act. “For us to have a chance of survival,” warned Goldman, “thousands and thousands of federal workers have to get involved. If you don’t belong to the union, join today. If you already belong, ask your local leaders how you can help. Do it before it is too late.”

Note: Another way to build solidarity is to make sure that all your co-workers are getting Union City; please forward your copy and encourage them to subscribe here.

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Local labor planning long-term mobilization around J20 and Women’s March: Local labor activists, staffers and allies gathered January 4th to discuss the upcoming inaugural events and labor’s mobilization plans. A primary focus was how to bring working people and unions together and how to use these upcoming events to engage and motivate union and community members,  with a goal of building labor’s ability to mobilize after the inauguration. There are a large range of activities planned; a preliminary list has been posted on the Metro Council’s calendar, which will be updated as plans firm up in the days ahead.
The list so far: 
January 13-15: AFL-CIO MLK Weekend
Saturday, January 14, 9a: We Shall Not Be Moved
Saturday, January 14, 11a: We Are Here to Stay
Sunday, January 15, 4p: People’s Rally for Transit Justice
Sunday, January 15, 7p: “Gonna Take Us All” MLK Holiday Ball
Thursday, January 19, time TBD: Reclaim Our Schools
Friday, January 20, 12p: March Against Trump
Saturday, January 21, 10a: Women’s March on Washington
The permitted march on January 20th and the Women’s March on January 21st will have meet-up locations for labor unions to gather in solidarity. If you know of other upcoming events that have labor involvement, please email mfitzgerald@dclabor.org