NARFE Ecstatic Feds Will Return to Work Following Tentative Agreement to End Unprecedented Government Shutdown

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (January 25, 2019) – In response to reports that a tentative deal has been reached to end the unprecedented partial government shutdown, reopen the government and return federal employees to work thru February 15, NARFE National President Ken Thomas issued the following statement.

“Reports that a tentative deal has been reached to end the partial government shutdown and reopen the federal government through February 15 come as welcome news to 800,000 federal employees who woke up today missing a second paycheck. After 35 long and grueling days filled with fear, uncertainty, financial insecurity and frustration, NARFE is pleased to learn that federal employees across the country will return to work on Monday. Equally important, they will receive back pay as soon as possible, likely no later than the end of next week, as a result of the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, signed into law earlier this month.

“The thought of another government shutdown taking place three weeks from now is unconscionable, and we will continue to work with the administration and Congress to approve a permanent funding solution. While we thank President Trump and leadership of the House and Senate for putting partisanship aside and coming together for the benefit of the country, we must also extend gratitude to furloughed federal employees who, through no fault of their own suffered greatly and unnecessarily during this unprecedented shutdown. Let us work toward never again having to disrupt their lives or the vital services they provide for our country.” 

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The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), one of America’s oldest and largest associations, was founded in 1921 with the mission of protecting the earned rights and benefits of America’s active and retired federal workers. The largest federal employee/retiree organization, NARFE represents the interests of 5 million current and future federal annuitants, spouses and survivors.

CONTACT:
Jill Talley
NARFE Deputy Director, Public Relations
jtalley@narfe.org
(703)838-7760