The president of the largest federal employees' union in the United States, Everett Kelley, spoke about the crisis facing the U.S. government due to the current shutdown, confirming that it is a crisis that can be overcome and overcome. Kelley told the American newspaper 'Politico' in an interview that some employees have had to take on second jobs to secure their basic needs, while others have resorted to borrowing. Below are excerpts from the interview:■ What prompted you to call for an end to the government shutdown immediately?■■ Honestly, when I woke up the morning the shutdown began, the first thing I saw on TV was lines of federal employees waiting to get food. This shutdown has gone on long enough, and it's time to find a quick solution to end the suffering of these people. It's a crisis that can be overcome and overcome.■ In Washington, D.C., we are hearing reports of federal employees lining up at food banks. What are you hearing from your members about their struggles and how they are dealing with the situation?■■ The situation is extremely difficult. Many employees are feeling a great deal of distress and anger. Some have had to take on extra jobs to meet their basic needs, while others are borrowing from friends or family or even financial institutions. They are doing their best to get by. Yet, in a country like the United States, no employee should have to work two or three jobs just to live a decent life.■ Before issuing your latest statement, did you have any conversations with Democratic lawmakers to discuss your position?■■ Yes, I spoke with some of them, if not all. I was very clear about my position with them.■ And what was their response?■■ Of course, they didn't all agree with what I say, but they understood that my primary role is to represent federal employees and advocate for their interests.■ Your call to reopen the government was interpreted as a break with the Democrats... Was that your intention?■■ Of course not. The intent was not to confront any political party. I simply wanted to draw attention to the scale of the suffering federal employees are enduring and to stress the need for serious work to reopen the government as soon as possible.■ Were you aware that your statement could be interpreted as hostile to Democrats?■■ Honestly, I never thought about that at all while preparing the statement. My only goal was to make it clear that the time has come to end this shutdown that has weighed heavily on thousands of employees.■ Historically, the federal employees' union has been a strong ally of the Democratic Party, as Democrats have been more supportive of union issues compared to Republicans. Do you feel you owe the Democratic Party any particular support during this crisis?■■ I don't feel that I owe any political party anything. My duty is to defend the rights of federal employees, and that's what I'm doing. My position is not about siding with any political faction, but about standing with the suffering worker.■ Do you believe the Democrats in Congress have met the needs of employees during the shutdown?■■ In some cases, yes, I believe they have shown tangible support.■ In your opinion, was the Democrats' strategy for dealing with the shutdown effective?■■ I think they got their message across clearly, but the most important thing is to find a solution that ends the people's suffering.■ Do you believe that the Democrats' struggle to defend the Affordable Care Act is worth all this?■■ I have no doubt about the importance of the Affordable Care Act; it is extremely necessary. However, I believe it should not be used at the expense of federal employees. I have already encouraged a number of Democratic House members and senators to visit airports during the shutdown to hand out food to employees and give them moral support, and they did so.Source: 'Politico'
