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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Tim Kauffman, 202-639-6405, tim.kauffman@afge.org

Day After Massive #RedForFeds Protests, AFGE Launches Videos Touting America's Workforce

From moonwalk to safe streets, federal workers have been there for us

WASHINGTON

A day after stunning acts of solidarity and activism across the country, the American Federation of Government Employees is launching a campaign to remind the American public that federal employees are what keeps our country running.

"From putting the first man on the moon to ensuring your food is safe to eat, federal employees make profound differences in our lives each and every day," AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. said. "Unfortunately, their jobs and their livelihoods are under attack by an administration that wants to eviscerate union rights and protections, politicize the career civil service, and hire and fire employees at will."

AFGE released four videos today that tout the accomplishments of America's workforce and ask for the public to support the public-sector employees who keep our country running. The videos come a day after a series of worker actions across the country in support of federal employees:

  • More than 2,000 federal employees and activists from AFGE, other federal unions, veterans' groups, and allied organizations joined with 100 union presidents and dozens of lawmakers at a rally outside the D.C. courthouse before yesterday's hearing to consider lawsuits filed by AFGE and other unions against the executive orders.
  • At least 65 rallies sponsored by AFGE locals nationwide to highlight the 85 percent of federal workers who live outside Washington.
  • Lawmakers taking to the floor of the Senate and House to object to the executive orders and speak up in support of federal workers.
  • A #RedForFed Twitter campaign that trended for hours on Wednesday with thousands of employees, lawmakers, and allies posting photos wearing red in solidarity with federal workers.

The four videos AFGE is releasing today highlight the critical work performed by federal employees, from serving our veterans and securing our borders to preserving our national treasures and holding employers accountable for safe worksites. Each of the videos ends with the tagline, "We've been there for you. Be there for us."

"Every federal employee takes an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. For federal workers, it's not just a job - it's a calling," Cox said.

"Federal workers believe in serving the public and giving back to their communities. One-third of all federal workers are veterans. They have been there for us in good times and bad. We're asking the American people to be there for us now," he said.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union proudly representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas. Workers in virtually all functions of government at every federal agency depend upon AFGE for legal representation, legislative advocacy, technical expertise and informational services.

(202) 737-8700