Federal Employees Fight Back

NTEU Launches Public Service Campaign

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Amidst unwarranted and harmful attacks on federal workers, the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) is launching a public service campaign to underscore the direct connection between the work of federal employees and the quality of life in the country.

"From guarding our borders to safeguarding the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink, to administering the school lunch program so children do not go hungry, federal employees perform so many critical tasks for our nation each and every day," said NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley. "And all too often, we take this dedicated and effective service for granted."

The campaign officially launches today and features a set of radio and television public service announcement (PSAs), media events, grassroots efforts by local chapters and public outreach through Internet and social media activities.

The first PSA is titled "The Oath" and shows a range of NTEU members each telling briefly the crux of the work he or she does while the voiceover provides, one sentence at a time, the oath of office sworn to by every federal employee. The second is titled "Who Can We Turn To" and portrays the work of federal employees told through the eyes of Americans.

Viewers and listeners are encouraged to visit www.TheyWorkForUS.org and www.facebook.com/TheyWorkForUS for further information about NTEU and the efforts of federal employees on behalf of the nation.

"The truth is," President Kelley said, "that while federal employees touch our lives in innumerable ways, many Americans know little about the important contributions these dedicated civil servants make to keep our nation safe, healthy and moving forward."

On the contrary, she said, political discourse often casts federal employees in an unfavorable light having nothing to do with the services they provide, giving rise to unfair and unwise attacks on federal employees and funding for vital federal programs.

The public service announcements were made available to more than 200 television stations and 600 radio stations across the country. The campaign will include a social media element, as well as community outreach.

NTEU is the largest independent federal union, representing 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.

SOURCE National Treasury Employees Union