AFGE members joined activists from other unions at Reps. Lucy McBath, D-Ga., and Bobby Scott’s, D-Va., labor listening session in Atlanta, Ga., to discuss issues important to union members.
The event took place at the IBEW building and was a good opportunity for workers to ask questions about current affairs and bring up workplace concerns that they needed help with.
Many of the attendees were AFGE members who expressed concern about the possibility of another government shutdown, which has been a constant threat that hurts morale and creates uncertainty. The lawmakers said the threat of a shutdown was a result of moderate Republicans not pushing back against the extremists. They and their colleagues, however, would provide votes for a clean short-term funding measure to keep the government open.
Aaron Barker, president of AFGE TSA Local 554, brought up the previous shutdown and its effects on TSA officers. The lawmakers responded that they support the Fund the TSA Act (H.R. 3394) that would pay TSA officers through the shutdown, among other things.
Barker also discussed probationary TSA officers being let go because they had to wait on the unpredictable shuttle that took them to work late. Due to parking restrictions, the officers have to take shuttles with airport passengers to arrive to work. The lawmakers requested a follow up meeting and data to show how the officers were being removed due to acts out of their control.
Karen Carstens, president of AFGE Local 518 representing the Department of Veterans Affairs Crisis Line and Member Services employees, said meeting with Congresswoman McBath was truly an inspiring experience as she reinforced her continuing support for the federal workers.
“Congresswoman McBath took special time to talk with Local 518 regarding the Veterans Crisis Line in their support of veterans, active-duty service members, and civilians who are at risk and suicidal,” said Carstens. “She comes from a family of veterans–her father served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, and her nephew served in the United States Marines. McBath knows the sacrifice our service members make, and she fights to ensure all our veterans have the support they need.”
McBath also shared that she secured nearly $46 million in federal funds, benefits, and grants for those she represents during the first session of the 118th Congress. She has assisted thousands of constituents with federal casework and secured tens of millions of dollars in federal investments. Beyond her work in Washington, she has sought to bring high-ranking government officials to Georgia, welcoming four members of President Biden’s Cabinet to her district and many more regional officials to highlight available federal resources to local elected officials, government leaders, and small business owners.
“Congresswoman McBath has always been a friend to the labor union workers,” she added. “She reaffirmed her support and commitment to the AFGE federal workers who support Veterans at the Veterans Crisis Line, for that we are truly grateful.”
Also attending the meeting were representatives from AFGE Locals 987, 534, 2778, and District 5.
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