Labor Movement Holds Shutdown Press Conferences at Los Angeles and Phoenix Airports and Donates Essentials

As the Trump administration’s government shutdown continues to put a strain on federal workers, the labor movement is speaking out and stepping up.

Members of AFGE locals 2391 and 1250 joined the Arizona AFL-CIO, elected officials and community allies at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Tuesday to highlight how federal workers in the state have been impacted by the three-week stalemate. 

“Every penny helps, so please, as we stand together, do not let these political games rob families of their security and their dignity,” said Fred Yamashita, secretary-treasurer and executive director of Arizona AFL-CIO, which is collecting donations to help federal workers make ends meet. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 99 kicked off the drive with a $20,000 donation.

At the Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and AFGE Local 1260 spotlighted the growing financial strain on federal workers—including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff who are struggling to pay bills, make car payments, and are now taking on second jobs to make ends meet. In an act of solidarity, the LA Fed’s Labor Community Services program distributed boxes of food and essential supplies to TSA agents at the event.