GOP Shutdown Blasted as "Lockout" and "Misguided"

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

As the first day of the government shutdown rolled out across the metro area, labor and political leaders blasted the GOP for the nation’s first government shutdown in 17 years. AFGE President J. David Cox Sr. called it a “lockout.” AFSCME’s Lee Saunders blasted the GOP’s “misguided, vendetta-fueled agenda” that’s “pushed this country right to the tipping point.” AFL-CIO Policy Director Damon Silvers urged House Republicans to “Get a Grip” and “Stop The Hostage Taking.” And with federal websites shutting down across the web, AFSCME released a spoof site reading "We are currently experiencing technical difficulties. We will return as soon as the Republican Party finishes its temper tantrum and accepts that Obamacare is the law of the land."  

Here’s the latest related local labor actions and news: email updates to us at streetheat@dclaborarchives.org

AFGE/AFSCME leafleting today: On Wednesday, October 2 at 10a, AFSCME Council 26 and AFGE 12 are coordinating a leafleting to tourists, distributing copies of the “Federal Workers' Tourist’s Guide to Shutdown DC” in front of the Museum of Natural History (10th Street & Constitution Ave, NW), one of the Smithsonian’s top attractions. The Guide is also available online, where it’s being updated as new information is available.  

Free “Inequality for All” Tix: Free tickets for furloughed federal workers are available for this Friday’s 7:15 screening of Inequality for All, the new film about income inequality in the United States. First come, first served; click here for free registration; deadline 6p Thursday.

Free Barbecue: @PBBBQDelRay is offering a free pulled pork sandwich for any government employee; 1 per day, must have government ID & excludes members of Congress.

Half-Price JCC Literary Fest Tix: the DCJCC’s Jewish Literary Festival has half-price tickets for furloughed workers. photos by Chris Garlock