Victoria Thomas Administrative Director | Albert Shanker Institute
A campaign led by the AFL-CIO, a federation representing over 15 million workers, is challenging the policies of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The AFL-CIO argues that DOGE's actions are detrimental to public services and working Americans. Elizabeth "Liz" Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, voices concerns about job cuts and reduced support for essential programs under the guise of efficiency.
Shuler states, "A government that works for billionaires will never work for the people." She criticizes DOGE for firing federal workers without warning and cutting funding to crucial services like Social Security, Medicare, and veterans' benefits. Rural healthcare facilities are also reportedly affected by these budget reductions.
In response, the AFL-CIO has launched the Department of People Who Work for a Living (DPWL) to hold Musk accountable. This initiative aims to highlight the impact of DOGE's policies on American workers and advocate for reforms that prioritize their well-being.
"The reality of DOGE’s so-called 'efficiency' is nothing short of devastating," Shuler asserts. DPWL seeks to expose these effects and challenge what they see as unchecked corporate power influencing government operations.
The AFL-CIO calls on citizens to engage in this fight against what they describe as attacks on worker protections. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a government that serves all citizens rather than catering solely to wealthy interests.
Shuler concludes with a call to action: "Stay informed. Get involved. Demand accountability."