USW Blasts GOP's Threat to Shut Down Government

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard issued this statement today in response to the possibility of a government shutdown and default:

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"It's time for the Republican Party to stop their reckless behavior with its threats to shut down the government, furthering damaging the economy and the struggling middle-class. What Americans need is a plan to get people working in good-paying, family-sustaining jobs – not domestic turmoil and chaos.

"It's way past time for Republicans to stop threatening government to get their way on health care.  Republicans have tried and failed more than 40 times to defund or delay this legislation. Expecting Democrats to pay a ransom in the form of de-funding or delaying the Affordable Care Act is totally unacceptable.

"The Constitution defines the authority of each branch of government. The first two powers it lists for Congress specify that it collects taxes, pays bills and borrows money when necessary.

"It's time for them to do their job. Now."

The USW represents 850,000 members in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It is the largest private-sector union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies.

CONTACTS: Wayne Ranick (412) 562-2444
wranick@usw.org

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

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