As the U.S. government shutdown enters its second week, Congress remains at an impasse – leaving thousands of federal fire fighters and emergency medical workers reporting for duty without pay.
General President Edward Kelly has repeatedly called on Congress to reopen the government as quickly as possible and pay federal members what they’ve earned.
“This kind of political brinksmanship in Washington has real consequences for those protecting America’s military installations, national laboratories, and other federal facilities,” said Kelly.
“Federal fire fighters are doing their jobs. It’s time for Congress to do theirs.”
The IAFF continues to meet with senior administration officials and other lawmakers to push for a resolution.
This kind of political brinksmanship in Washington has real consequences for those protecting America’s military installations, national laboratories, and other federal facilities. Federal fire fighters are doing their jobs. It’s time for Congress to do theirs.
General President Edward Kelly
This week, U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer visited 16th district members at Fort Myer, Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. She thanked federal fire fighters for their continued service during the shutdown.
She also spoke directly with fire fighters about the challenges they’re facing, including long hours, pay inequities, and reduced staffing – issues that impact federal fire fighters nationwide.
Additionally, newly appointed Assistant to the General President for Government Affairs and Political Action Chris “Blue” Bartley joined American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National President Everett Kelly, IFPTE President Matt Biggs, and other labor leaders at a “Stop the Shutdown” press conference outside AFGE’s headquarters.
“For the eighth straight day, thousands of federal fire fighters showed up to work knowing they wouldn’t be paid due to the government shutdown,” Bartley said.
“The IAFF is again calling on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution that reopens the government and ensures federal workers are paid for their hard work.”
The union is also taking steps to ease the financial burden on federal members.
The IAFF Executive Board voted unanimously to suspend dues collection for all federal Locals throughout the shutdown – helping members keep more money in their pockets.
And the IAFF has partnered with Firefighter First Credit Union (FFCU) to offer support for affected members, including 0% Paycheck Replacement Loans, pauses on current loan repayments, and exclusive offers for new FFCU members.
Members can use this link to learn more and speak with an FFCU representative.
These programs offer financial stability during a time of uncertainty and are critical for ensuring members can continue paying for housing, childcare, and other essential bills while the government remains closed.
The IAFF will continue fighting until the government reopens, and every federal fire fighter and emergency responder is paid in full for their service.
at a press conference with AFGE and other labor leaders.
