AFGE Statement on The Heritage Foundation's Recent Work Hours Study

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox today issued the following statement in response to The Heritage Foundation's report on public and private sector work hours.

"The Heritage Foundation has found yet another opportunity to manipulate data in order to pit the public against government workers. Its recent 'report' is utterly misleading in claiming that public sector employees work fewer hours than those in the private sector. The differences Heritage cite evaporate if one adjusts for firm size and length of service – the two most important factors determining hours of work and paid time off.

"From VA nurses providing around-the-clock care for our nation's veterans to EPA workers ensuring the safety of the air we breathe and the water we drink, public sector employees serve the American public. Government should function as a model employer, attracting and retaining the best and brightest to provide the services we rely on every day. The reality is that so many private, non-union employers provide absolutely no paid time off.  No sick leave, no vacation, no holidays. That is the disgrace, not the fact that public sector employers recognize that all workers need some paid time off in order to maintain a work/life balance.

"The Heritage Foundation's attempts to mislead the public and denigrate the work of public employees is all part of their campaign to dismantle vital government services. We must celebrate the work performed by public and private sector employees with the understanding that work connects us all." 

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 625,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. For the latest AFGE news and information, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

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