Michigan Congressman slams anti-worker policies, warning of widespread disruptions and instability.
Federal Worker Buyouts Threaten Stability, Says Shri Thanedar
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Shri Thanedar has condemned recent federal worker buyout initiatives and the reimplementation of Schedule F, calling them a direct attack on public servants and government stability. The Michigan 13th District representative, a staunch advocate for labor rights, argues that these policies will weaken the federal workforce and harm millions of Americans reliant on public services.
“The federal workforce is the backbone of our country, ensuring that millions of Americans receive the services they rely on every day,” Thanedar said in a statement. “The administration’s so-called ‘buyouts’ are nothing more than a forced purge of dedicated public servants, designed to create a toxic work environment where employees feel pressured to leave. This is an attack on workers and an attack on the stability of our government.”
Federal Employees Face Forced Buyouts and Job Insecurity
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has raised alarms over the administration’s push for buyouts, warning of significant disruptions. The federal workforce has remained roughly the same size since 1970, despite the U.S. population growing by over 100 million people. Cutting jobs at this scale, AFGE claims, will trigger service backlogs, delays, and inefficiencies across critical sectors.
Union leaders and worker advocates argue that these forced buyouts—marketed as voluntary separations—are aimed at shrinking the government, leaving agencies understaffed and overburdened. Agencies that manage vital programs, from veterans’ services to social security, could see longer wait times and reduced service quality.
Schedule F Reinstatement Raises Concerns Over Federal Job Protections
Adding to these concerns, Schedule F—a controversial policy that strips civil service protections from government employees—has been reinstated. The move makes it easier for administrations to fire employees without cause, effectively undermining job security.
“Removing civil service protections opens the door to politically motivated firings,” said Thanedar. “And how can we trust a president who has a history of not paying people what they’re owed to fairly compensate federal workers?”
Critics view Schedule F as an attempt to turn federal positions into political appointments, eroding the stability of nonpartisan government roles.
Impact on Michigan Workers and Public Services
As a representative of Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes, Thanedar warns that Michigan’s economy and public services will suffer if federal jobs are cut. The state has a substantial number of federal employees working in agencies like the U.S. Postal Service, Veterans Affairs, and Social Security Administration. Any workforce reduction could lead to service slowdowns that disproportionately impact Michigan residents, particularly seniors and veterans.
“These actions will not only hurt workers; they will hurt veterans, seniors, small businesses, and families who rely on the federal government every day,” Thanedar emphasized. “I stand in full solidarity with our public servants and will fight against any efforts to undermine their livelihoods.”
The Fight for Worker Protections Continues
Labor unions and pro-worker legislators are rallying against these policies, pushing for legislative safeguards to protect federal employees. Thanedar has urged the administration to reconsider its stance and engage in meaningful dialogue with labor representatives to ensure worker protections remain intact.
“The administration needs to stop treating government employees as expendable,” he said. “They provide essential services that keep this country running.”
While these policies remain under intense scrutiny, lawmakers like Thanedar continue to push for reforms that will strengthen, rather than dismantle, the federal workforce.
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