Across the country, AFGE members are calling on Congress to end the federal government shutdown that has sparked chaos and concern over the fate of federal jobs and Americans’ access to essential programs and services.
Federal employees, a third of whom are veterans, are patriotic Americans who provide essential services to communities across the country. These employees should be able to do their jobs free of political interference. Instead, they are being forced to either work without pay or stay off the job without pay for as long as this shutdown continues.
And now there’s the additional threat of permanent layoffs as the administration seizes the opportunity to slash programs and services that don’t align with its priorities. We have already sued the administration over its threats to fire employees during the shutdown.
President Kelley criticized politicians who are playing games when it comes to funding the federal government – threatening real Americans’ jobs, paychecks, and access to vital services.
“Federal employees are not bargaining chips. They are veterans, caregivers, law enforcement officers, and neighbors who serve their country and fellow Americans every day. They deserve stability and respect, not pink slips and political games,” he said.
Here are actions you can take to protest the government shutdown:
Online Resources
Visit our online shutdown resource center for the latest news and updates about the shutdown as well as critical resources to help you and your family navigate this difficult time.
On this page you’ll find updated FAQs, agency contingency plans, unemployment information by state, and much more. There is also information on this page that is accessible only to AFGE members, including representing members during a shutdown and updated guidance on free speech rights.
AFGE also has launched a Mutual Aid Network to help federal employees share local resources and other assistance tailored to their needs – whether it’s working with your mortgage lender to defer payments, accessing discounted professional services, talking to your kids about the shutdown, and so much more.
AFGE is party to more than a dozen lawsuits challenging the administration’s directives and policies targeting our members’ jobs and negotiated union contracts. You can keep up with the latest legal developments by visiting this page.
Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump has issued a series of unlawful executive orders, and taken several unlawful actions, seeking to shut down congressionally mandated agencies, fire and displace federal workers, outlaw their unions, and gut merit systems protections.
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A federal judge has ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs to reinstate the union contract covering 320,000 VA employees represented by AFGE in a major victory over the implementation of President Trump’s union-busting executive orders.
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As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown reaches the one-month mark with no end in sight, AFGE leaders are calling on Congress to ensure all DHS workers are paid.
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