With the Trump Administration ramping up the attacks on federal workers, the IAM has maintained and carried a swift response – these attacks are not acceptable.
According to the Partnership for Public Services, 30% of federal workers are military veterans who have dedicated their careers to service post-military.
The administration’s policies have federal workers nationwide rallying to protect federal jobs. Since last week, multiple rallies in Washington, D.C. to protest illegal firings of federal workers sprouted across the region. On Monday, March 3, the IAM stood at the McPherson Square Metro Station to say “thank You” to federal workers as they made their way to work.
Read More: IAM, NFFE-IAM Say Thank You to Federal Workers Outside Veterans Affairs Headquarters
IAM Local 4 members at Naval Air Station Patuxent River (PAX) in Maryland have also seen enough and joined over 100 community members in Southern Maryland to support federal workers. Anything that stands in the way of critical mission-ready preparedness for the hundreds who work at PAX River is a reason to stand in support.
However, the rally at PAX River in Southern Maryland is not just about mission readiness. It’s a reminder to the entire region about the critical role that federal jobs provide in a small, thriving community.
In PAX Rivers’ case and many like it, the federal workforce on the military base plays a crucial role in supporting the installation and the surrounding community. The federal workforce in St. Mary’s County contributes to the local economy by creating jobs, stimulating businesses, and increasing demand for housing and services. Their work ensures mission readiness, enhances base operations, and fosters partnerships with local organizations, schools, and governments. Additionally, they often participate in volunteer efforts, strengthening community ties and improving overall quality of life.
Even beyond the military installation at PAX River, Southern Maryland is home to many families in the federal workforce who commute daily into the DC region for work.
With chants ranging from “Keep your hands off our Medicare” to “Elon Musk has got to go” and “Support America’s Veterans,” the rally members in the Pax River area have already seen enough of this administration’s total disregard for veterans and federal employees.
As one rally-goer stated, “Reducing the federal workforce in this region or anywhere else in the country will be dire for this area,” eluding that reducing the federal workforce and destroying veteran benefits would have devastating consequences, especially for the communities they serve.
“The federal workforce is the backbone of our military linked communities, their economy, and overall national security,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Attacks on these dedicated workers are attacks on the very foundation of public service. The IAM will always stand up and fight to protect their rights, jobs, and dignity.”
The IAM will continue to work to ensure that the federal workforce stays at the forefront of the conversation, from small gatherings in downtown DC to say thank you to our federal worker heroes to a more significant rally of federal workers supporting each other and drawing attention to communities to say “We are with you.”
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