For too long, too many federal workers have gone without a paycheck. We are thrilled these public servants are finally able to provide for their families after enduring the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history.
But the “deal” to reopen the government fails to address skyrocketing health care costs caused by the lapsing of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Though Senate Democrats extracted an agreement from Republicans to vote on the continuation of those subsidies next month, we are skeptical the vote will even take place. As we saw, many congressional representatives are uninterested in addressing the health care crisis that continues to whittle down savings accounts, jeopardizing the health and financial security of working people.
While we celebrate a temporary end to the injustice foisted upon federal workers, we are disappointed that millions of working families were abandoned by our elected officials and left scrambling to make ends meet.
Working people are sick and tired of the half-measures, broken promises and political posturing that caused the shutdown and continues to impact our daily lives. Organized labor can and must work to oust all congressional officials who failed to meet this moment and deliver relief for struggling working families.