USA: PSI condemns forced shutdown

It appears that a group of conservative radicals have taken the American nation hostage because they want to refuse the majority of people the right to social security, to defund Obamacare, and to force deep cuts in Medicare and Medicaid.

One objective of this strategy seems clear: to withdraw the right to the affordable, accessible public services that keep communities healthy, safe, and strong. As your unions have been warning – in the current unstable economic environment, such actions can also have devastating effects on the still fragile recovery in terms of employment and growth.

We know that millions of American citizens voted for more and better jobs and improved social protection for themselves and generations to come. Yet instead of raising taxes for corporations and the super-rich, to provide funding for a way out of the economic crisis by providing decent jobs and working conditions for the millions of working poor, the millionaires and big business interests keep perpetuating and benefiting from a system which increases inequality.

PSI stands with you in advancing better solutions for our communities that are based on economic and social justice. We know that quality public services are the key to a democratic society and sustainable social and economic development, and are dedicated to working with our affiliate unions, allies and communities to achieve these goals.

See our affiliates websites for more information:

• American Federation of Government Employees
• American Federation of Teachers
• Service Employees International Union
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• Utility Workers Union of America
• National Nurses United
• United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America
• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees