The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that looks to support better government through advocacy, community and education for active and retired federal employees, is active in Delaware. During Public Service Week that runs from May 3-9, NARFE and its members ask that you thank a federal employee for their service.
We are lucky to have five chapters that work to support federal employees – active and retired. We have chapters in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, coastal Sussex County and western Sussex County. In addition, we have other members that are not able to make it to a chapter. Federal employees, active and retired, are part of the fabric of our community and do work that impacts all.
Right now, federal employees are being disrespected by many, and many have been fired without regard to their service, benefit rights or proper procedure. There are others still working without pay, not knowing if they will be paid, but being mandated to work as essential employees.
People look to attack public-sector employees without understanding that many of the services we enjoy are provided by public-sector and federal employees without regard to political views. These individuals inspect our food, teach children, deliver mail, provide for safety in many areas, work at the airports and collectively provide a positive impact on daily living.
Currently, many in Washington, D.C., are looking to demean a nonpartisan workforce. Since the 1880 enactment of legislation for a fair and equitable workforce, these individuals have looked to serve and protect the American people without regard to politics or administration. George Mason – yes, he had his faults – refused to sign the Constitution until the Bill of Rights was ratified. That is something to consider when the idea police come knocking or someone takes a bat to a federal employee or postal worker since they are mad.
As the president of the Delaware federation, I meet active employees protecting our parks, USDA inspectors in Georgetown protecting our food, census field agents ensuring we have good information to support a strong business community, Coast Guard that inspect the ships coming into to Delaware Bay, and I could go on.
In this time when public-sector employees are under attack, we need to continue to protect public-sector and federal employees from the many hostile acts that are unwarranted. Good government is government for all.
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