Summary
Union leaders are urging Democrats to agree to a Republican plan to reopen the government, putting stress on the traditional alliance between unions and the Democratic Party. This move comes during a government shutdown that has left many federal workers unpaid. Despite union pressure, Democrats continue to push for conditions in the bill related to healthcare.
Key Facts
- Union leaders are asking Democrats to accept a Republican bill to end the government shutdown.
- President Trump has received union support for some trade policies and his labor secretary choice.
- Unions like the American Federation of Government Employees want a "clean continuing resolution" (CR), which is a temporary funding measure, to pay federal workers.
- The government shutdown began on October 1, affecting TSA workers and air traffic controllers.
- Democrats resist union pressure, as they wish to include healthcare-related conditions in the spending bill.
- Senate negotiations show signs of progress after a long standoff.
- Union and small business groups express frustration with the prolonged shutdown.
