Scott: Government shutdown hurts federal workers who have bills to pay

Arnold Scott, American Federation of Government Employees District 6 National Vice President, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how a federal government shutdown will hurt federal employees. He also spoke about the fight to increase the pay of federal employees and the strides made by the AFGE to diversify membership to improve working conditions for African Americans.

Scott described the threat of a government shutdown and how it affects union members. He explained that essential workers are required to work through a shutdown, even if they are not getting paid. While nonessential workers are not required to work, they will also not get paid. The threat of not getting paid is a terrible burden because everyone has bills to pay. Creditors are not forgiving if bills are not paid on time, even amidst a shutdown, Scott added.

He then talked about the fight for a pay raise for federal workers, who are underpaid by roughly 27 percent compared to private sector workers. In January, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act, or FAIR Act, which would provide federal employees with an average 7.4 percent pay raise in 2025. The pay gap has had such a negative impact on employees that many have left the federal government for employment in the private sector. 

Scott also discussed the diversity of the AFGE, as he reflected on Black History Month. He called the union highly diversified and noted that most members on the Executive Board are African American. As a result, there is a drive to fight for better work environments for black workers, and there have been major improvements over the years in this area, he said. The accomplishments of African Americans are magnified at the AFGE, as Scott said he is the first black National Vice President for District 6. 

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