As the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues, AFGE members, leaders and activists have been out at airports nationwide to raise awareness about the true impact of this funding lapse.
While most DHS workers have received some backpay for paychecks missed dating back to late February, the future of how these workers will be paid going forward remains in the balance. Congress’ inability to pass a funding measure is playing out negatively every day in the lives of dedicated public servants. As the gridlock persists, AFGE activists have refused to let this matter fade into the background.
Beginning last week, AFGE held numerous actions at airports across the country to highlight the strain this partial shutdown is putting on workers, and to educate the flying public about what they can do to support our public servants. Outreach events were held in Orlando, Dallas, Louisville, Portland, and the D.C. metropolitan region.
In Louisville, AFGE activists were able to talk with passengers who expressed concern that Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) could miss yet another paycheck. Passengers took action by calling Congress and placing a "Pay TSA" tag on their luggage to show support for the TSOs as they went through security.
In Portland, AFGE activists held a press conference highlighting the toll this shutdown is having on TSOs and federal employees in the region. This action was also attended by a representative from Rep. Maxine Dexter’s office, who also shared a message of support on her social media page calling on members of Congress to “negotiate, govern, and keep Americans safe.” Numerous Oregan news outlets were able to cover this story, including The Oregonian, KATU 2 (ABC), and KGW 8 (NBC).
AFGE activists hold an action outside of PDX airport calling for DHS workers to be paid as shutdown drags on.
Leafleting events and press conferences were also held outside the airports serving the nation’s capital, including DCA, Dulles and BWI. AFGE national vice presidents Ottis Johnson Jr. And Christine Surrette joined activists in the region at these events calling for DHS workers to be paid and urging passenger support in contacting lawmakers to pass a budget. The event at DCA was covered by local news outlets including DC News Now.
AFGE activists hold an action outside of DCA airport calling for DHS workers to be paid as shutdown drags on.
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As the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues, AFGE members, leaders and activists have been out at airports nationwide to raise awareness about the true impact of this funding lapse.
Read More
