As the possibility of a federal government shutdown looms, major federal government employee unions are mobilizing to urge Congress to reach a deal and end the impasse. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) are organizing meetings, educational seminars, and media campaigns to raise awareness about the potential consequences of a shutdown. They are also encouraging their members to prepare for the worst by saving money and exploring alternative sources of income, such as unemployment benefits and secondary jobs. Both unions have provided sample letters for their members to send to their local representatives, stressing the impact that a shutdown would have on their financial stability and ability to support their families. The unions are also using media strategies to highlight the pain and distress experienced by federal employees during such uncertain times. Overall, the unions are emphasizing that a government shutdown affects not only federal workers but also the entire country, including local communities and churches.
If a shutdown were to occur, thousands of federal workers in each U.S. congressional district would be affected, with the majority having over 4,000 civilian federal employees. Representatives of the unions have been engaging with lawmakers, urging them to pass legislation that adequately funds federal agencies to keep the government open. The unions are also working on building contact lists of their members’ private phone numbers and emails, as furloughed workers lose access to their government email addresses during a shutdown. The unions are providing guidance on various assistance programs, such as unemployment benefits and food pantry services, to help furloughed employees cope with the financial strain. The unions stress that the shutdown would impact not only federal employees but also their families, many of whom are single-income households or families where both partners work for the federal government. Overall, the unions are focused on raising awareness about the far-reaching consequences of a shutdown and urging Congress to prioritize the well-being of federal employees and the smooth functioning of government agencies.