Ex-Labor Secretary Urges Unpaid Federal Workers To Defy Trump By Walking Off Job

Ed Mazza
Updated

A former labor secretary is calling on the 420,000 federal employees who are working without pay due to the shutdown to walk off the job and picket outside the workplace.

Robert Reich, a University of California, Berkeley professor who served in President Bill Clinton’s administration, slammed President Donald Trump for his “callous disregard” of the federal workforce:

The government shutdown reached the one-month mark this week, with many workers set to miss their second paycheck on Friday.

In addition to the 420,000 who are working without pay, an additional 380,000 have been furloughed and are also missing paychecks.

Congress passed a bill granting them backpay, but it will not be paid out until the shutdown ends.

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ʻAkaka Falls State Park, Hawaii (Big Island)

"These picturesque Hawaiian falls are home to a rare species of fish that uses a special sucker to climb up cliffs."
"These picturesque Hawaiian falls are home to a rare species of fish that uses a special sucker to climb up cliffs."

Medicine Rocks State Park, Montana

"This beautiful ancient site dotted with unusual perforated sandstone pillars was considered sacred by American Indian tribes."
"This beautiful ancient site dotted with unusual perforated sandstone pillars was considered sacred by American Indian tribes."

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Nevada

"These huge stone ovens in the desert fueled the Nevada silver boom, and may have also been a hideout for outlaws."
"These huge stone ovens in the desert fueled the Nevada silver boom, and may have also been a hideout for outlaws."

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California

"This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top."
"This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top."

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Florida

"Located within a historic park, the [Cape Florida Lighthouse] is the oldest standing structure in Miami."
"Located within a historic park, the [Cape Florida Lighthouse] is the oldest standing structure in Miami."

Caddo Lake State Park, Texas

"Foragers once flocked to this big beautiful bayou to hunt for pearls."
"Foragers once flocked to this big beautiful bayou to hunt for pearls."

Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

"Even Henry David Thoreau found this glacial pothole [The Basin] irresistible."
"Even Henry David Thoreau found this glacial pothole [The Basin] irresistible."

Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah

"This quiet park's strange sedimentary spires were named after Kodak's color film."
"This quiet park's strange sedimentary spires were named after Kodak's color film."

Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia

"A sacred site for Native Americans surveyed by George Washington and owned by both King George III and Thomas Jefferson."
"A sacred site for Native Americans surveyed by George Washington and owned by both King George III and Thomas Jefferson."

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Minnesota

"This picturesque cliffside beacon no longer calls to sailors but shines once a year in honor of a famous shipwreck."
"This picturesque cliffside beacon no longer calls to sailors but shines once a year in honor of a famous shipwreck."

Totem Bight State Historical Park, Alaska

"This historic collection of Native Alaskan artifacts was resurrected through a partnership between the WPA and tribal artisans."
"This historic collection of Native Alaskan artifacts was resurrected through a partnership between the WPA and tribal artisans."

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky

"Moonbows over Kentucky."
"Moonbows over Kentucky."

Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area, Georgia

"Providence Canyon, affectionately known as 'Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,' is one of Georgia’s most treasured locations."
"Providence Canyon, affectionately known as 'Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,' is one of Georgia’s most treasured locations."

Ecola State Park, Oregon

"Hidden behind two regal viewing points, Crescent Beach offers a private, misty retreat into prehistory in the heart of Oregon’s bustling Ecola State Park."
"Hidden behind two regal viewing points, Crescent Beach offers a private, misty retreat into prehistory in the heart of Oregon’s bustling Ecola State Park."

Baxter State Park, Maine

"The highest point in Maine is a grand gift to the state's citizens that also happens to be one end of the Appalachian Trail."
"The highest point in Maine is a grand gift to the state's citizens that also happens to be one end of the Appalachian Trail."

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.