Hoffa: Possible Government Shutdown Will Harm Workers, Economy

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Apr 08, 2011, 04:42 ET

Teamsters General President Says House Leadership Budget Unacceptable

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said today a federal government shutdown will harm 800,000 workers nationwide and severely damage the U.S. economy. He urged politicians in Congress to quickly resolve their disagreements and put the government back to work.

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"We elected these men and women to create jobs, not to put thousands of Americans out of work," Hoffa said. "They need to pass a budget that benefits working families.

"Extremist, corporate-backed Republicans must stop holding our government hostage. The budget they propose makes cuts that will hurt the middle class and working families, while benefiting special interests and giving tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy. Whatever happened to shared sacrifice?"

The budget proposed by the Republican House leadership also cuts important preventative health care funding, which is unacceptable.

"These Republicans have refused many opportunities to keep the government open while talks continue. This is all part of their coordinated effort to destroy the middle class."

Congress has until midnight to agree on the federal budget to avoid a closure, the first in 15 years. A shutdown would result in the furlough of government workers nationwide, putting thousands out of work, and impacting vital government services to communities across the country.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters