Government employees union sues Federal government over shutdown
WASHINGTON - A union representing government employees has filed a lawsuit against the government for forcing some federal employees to work without pay during the shutdown.
According to the lawsuit filed on behalf of the American Federation of Government Employees, it is illegal to force the employees to work without pay.
They noted that many of employees who are labeled "essential" perform some of the nation's most dangerous jobs.
"Our members put their lives on the line to keep our country safe. Requiring them to work without pay is nothing short of inhumane," said AFGE President J. David Cox Sr.
The shutdown is entering its second week as the White House and Congressional Democrats remain intransigent on President Trump's proposed border wall.
Pressure is expected to build on all sides for a resolution, as public parks and museums close, and some 800,000 federal workers are going without pay.
On Monday, Democrats unveiled a package of bills that would reopen the government without approving funding for the President's wall.
The House is preparing to vote as soon as the new Congress convenes Thursday, as one of the first acts after Democrats take control, according to an anonymous aide who spoke with the Associated Press.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.