Union of federal employees hails initial successes against Trump administration, bracing for ongoing struggle
In a significant gathering at the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) conference in Washington, D.C., union leaders and members of Congress came together to address the existential threats faced by civil servants under the current administration.
AFGE National President Everett Kelley, in an inspiring address, urged attendees to stand up for what's right and join the fight. He expressed optimism about reaching a goal of 325,000 dues-paying members by the end of the week, a number that would mark a new milestone for the union. This goal comes after the AFGE recently reached a record high of 321,000 members.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, another notable speaker at the conference, quoted Thomas Paine, saying, "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered. But we have this saving consolation - the more difficult the struggle, the more glorious in the end will be our victory." He also encouraged attendees to "hang tight, everybody, hang tight."
Sen. Tim Kaine emphasised the importance of activism in today's political climate, stating that democracy needs it now more than ever. Lawmakers at the conference also highlighted the need for mobilising public opinion to counter the Trump administration's efforts.
One of the key issues discussed was the deferred resignations program for federal workers, which has been temporarily paused due to AFGE-backed lawsuits. This program, which allows federal employees to resign and then be rehired at a later date, has been a point of contention under the current administration.
Another concern raised was the mass placement on leave of U.S. Agency for International Development employees. The conference speakers prepared for protracted battles with the Trump administration over federal employee issues, emphasising the need for legal advocacy to challenge the administration's lawlessness.
The conference underscored the importance of public engagement as the most critical step against the Trump administration’s attempts to remove federal employees en masse. While the identity of the politician who highlighted this point was not revealed in the provided search results, their message resonated with the attendees, who left the conference motivated and ready to fight for their rights.
Lastly, it was announced that Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has gained access to the Treasury Department's payment system, raising concerns about the potential for private sector influence on government operations.
As the fight against threats to federal employees continues, the AFGE conference served as a rallying cry for those committed to protecting the rights and interests of civil servants.
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