Federal‑worker unions demand Congress end shutdown
Top federal‑employee union leaders held a news conference on Oct. 8, 2025 in which they publicly implored Congress and the White House to end the partial government shutdown, criticized both parties and President Trump for treating furloughed workers as "political pawns," and warned that threats to withhold back pay are unacceptable. Speakers included Everett Kelley (AFGE) and Randy Erwin (NFFE), who repeated blunt appeals—"Congress, do your damn job"—and tied the message to recent administration statements questioning automatic retroactive pay for furloughed workers.
Politics
Labor
📌 Key Facts
- Date and event: Oct. 8, 2025 union news conference pressing Congress to end the shutdown
- Speakers: Everett Kelley (American Federation of Government Employees) and Randy Erwin (National Federation of Federal Employees)
- Direct quotes: “No American should ever have to choose between serving their country and feeding their family.”; “Congress, do your damn job.”
- Context: came after administration warnings earlier this week that furloughed workers’ back pay might not be guaranteed