The New Activity 14
“Because of what you do every day, every American has a better future,” the NTEU leader said. “But today, too many federal employees, like many middle-class Americans, are working harder than ever but are not able to make ends meet.”
Earlier in January, NTEU’s Legislative Advisory Council set the union’s agenda for the rest of this year. More than 350 NTEU members attending the legislative conference this week will advocate for the union’s five goals: Protecting federal retirement from egregious attacks, seeking adequate funding for agencies in fiscal year (FY) 2017, fighting for a fair and meaningful federal pay raise, safeguarding federal health benefits and beating back efforts to eliminate workplace rights and weaken federal unions.
NTEU members are proud of the work they do on behalf of their country, but not everyone in Congress appreciates the sacrifices made by the federal workforce, President Reardon said. “We can change that dynamic."
The NTEU leader continued by saying, “We’re working for a better future, not just for ourselves, but for the citizens of this great country you serve so diligently each day. That is why you signed up for federal service.”
"If federal employees don’t speak up, some in Congress may never understand, much less appreciate, the work they do or treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve," Reardon said.
“Between pay cuts and increased retirement contributions, federal workers have contributed more than $182 billion towards budget savings,” he said.
“NTEU has blocked many attempts to do even more damage, but the pressure is relentless and that is why we must raise our voices together in unyielding resistance to actions that would harm the federal workforce."
What we have is an organization...a Union, that loves its employees and will continue to fight on your behalf. You, as a federal employee, have enough to worry about in servicing the American Public. Not to mention, the service with limited resources, limited or frozen pay and constant Congressional bashing. We appreciate your hard work and will continue to press the issues important to your work-life and home-life. - NTEU Chapter 14
The Action Rally 14
NTEU Chapter 14 leaders arrived on Capitol Hill, February 27th- 29th to speak with our elected representatives about issues and legislation that are important to our paychecks, our families and our workplaces.
The NTEU Legislative Conference opened this morning with remarks by NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald, Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, and Everett Kelley, the National President of the American Federation of Government Employees.
Greenwald announced the union’s 2024 legislative agenda: a fair pay raise for federal employees in 2025; protecting worker benefits and expanding them to include a paid family leave program; ensuring workplace rights and safety; protecting telework and remote work; and making sure federal agencies have the resources and staffing they need to meet their missions.
"Today we come together in solidarity, using the power of our union to do the necessary work on Capitol Hill," Greenwald said. "This week, Congress will see your commitment and your dedication. They will hear about the work you do and better understand that there are real people across the federal government who care about what they do."
The theme of this year’s conference is “Solidarity is our Strength,” which reflects the union’s focus on growth and uniting frontline employees from 35 different agencies to advocate for their common issues.
“NTEU members are as diverse as America, representing every city, state and region and holding a wide variety of jobs, but when they come together to fight for a better workplace, they are a powerful, unified voice,” Greenwald said. “One of the highlights of the NTEU Legislative Conference is to see our members from all walks of life coalesce behind our agenda and fight for each other, together.”
NTEU represents employees in 35 federal agencies and offices, including the IRS, Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, Environmental Protection Agency, Health and Human Services, Securities and Exchange Commission and many others.