For the first time since the start of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, federal workers are receiving their paychecks again. The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) released a statement expressing relief for these workers but voiced concern about unresolved issues that continue to affect working families.
“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,” OPEIU stated.
The union criticized the agreement that reopened the government, noting it does not address rising health care costs linked to expired Affordable Care Act subsidies. “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,” according to OPEIU.
OPEIU acknowledged that while ending the shutdown brings temporary relief, millions of working families still face economic hardship due to legislative inaction. “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.”
The union called for greater accountability among lawmakers: “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.”
