Texas AFL-CIO on the Texas Impacts of the Federal Government Shutdown

TEXAS – Today, the Texas AFL-CIO released the following statement regarding the unprecedented government shutdown that will impact every Texan.

“Trump and his billionaire buddies have taken our government hostage until their demands are met — and Texas families will pay the price,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy. “Federal workers across our state have already endured hiring freezes, RIFs, and cuts at offices like the Department of Defense, Department of Education, and every other public service job. It’s immoral and irresponsible. The Texas labor movement stands in strong solidarity with all federal workers, their families, and every Texan who receives federal services, and we will fight alongside you ‘til this shutdown is ended by the Trump Administration.”

The shutdown will lock out hundreds of thousands of federal employees from doing their jobs while forcing hundreds of thousands more—like TSA officers, VA caregivers, and Border Patrol agents—to work without pay. That reduces access to services and pulls billions out of local economies.

Key Facts on Texas Federal Workers & Unions:

Texas is home to the third-most federal workers in the country (behind California and DC), and the highest number of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) members. 

Labor union statements:

• AFL-CIO: AFL-CIO to Trump Administration: ‘Fund the Government. Fix the Health Care Crisis. Put Working People First.’
• AFGE & AFSCME: Trump Administration’s Plan for Mass Firing of Federal Workers During Government Shutdown Violates Law, Unions Say

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The Texas AFL-CIO is the state labor federation consisting of more than 250,000 affiliated union members and advocates for working people in Texas. Learn more at texasaflcio.org