There is great concern for the thousands of government workers who have been impacted by the partial government shutdown that is now past its 30th day. Many workers have been faithful to their significant positions, even without pay.
But now, a former labor secretary is calling on the 420,000 federal employees who are working without pay due to the shutdown to walk off the job, defy the president and picket outside the workplace.
Robert Reich, a University of California, Berkeley professor who served in President Bill Clinton’s administration, lashed out at President Donald Trump for his “callous disregard” of the federal workforce. Reich tweeted this challenge to the government workers:
“As a former secretary of labor, I urge federal workers who continue to toil without pay to stop working and those who are furloughed to picket their workplaces. Trump’s callous disregard for all of you and for the public welfare must end. He must reopen the U.S. government.”
As a former secretary of labor, I urge federal workers who continue to toil without pay to stop working and those who are furloughed to picket their workplaces. Trump's callous disregard for all of you and for the public welfare must end. He must reopen the U.S. government.
— Robert Reich (@RBReich) January 22, 2019
The government shutdown reached the one-month mark this week. Many workers are set to miss their second paycheck this coming Friday.
In addition to the 420,000 who are working without pay, an additional 380,000 have been furloughed and are also missing paychecks.
Congress passed a bill granting them backpay, but it will not be paid out until the shutdown ends.
What do you think about the former secretary of labor’s challenge to this American workers? Do you agree or disagree with Robert Reich? We look forward to seeing your comments at the end of this article.
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