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NTEU e-Bulletin
NTEU e-Bulletin
For the latest shutdown information, visit our members-only shutdown webpage.
Shutdown Drags On; Emergency Resources Available on NTEU.org
The House has been out of legislative session with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R. La.) refusing to call lawmakers back to Washington and canceling House votes indefinitely, while the Senate returned today. Earlier at the Capitol, Johnson said he “won’t negotiate” with Democrats unless they back down on efforts to address pending increases in healthcare costs in the CR.
Tell Congress to do its job and negotiate a bipartisan funding deal and put this government shutdown to an end—and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Visit our shutdown webpage for the latest information and resources.
NTEU has also compiled a list of emergency resources available during this difficult time. One of those resources is the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA), which is offering $150 grants to help furloughed/excepted status federal employees with necessities. Those with current federal salaries of $59,999 or less may apply. Visit FEEA's website to apply.
If you have other resources you’d like to recommend, please email nteu-pr@nteu.org.
ICYMI: Massive Price Hikes for Health Coverage Next Year
The Office of Personnel Management last week announced the 2026 premiums for the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program and federal employees and retirees on average will pay 12.3 percent more for health insurance.
Given the massive price hikes for health insurance, NTEU continues to push for an average 4.3 percent pay raise starting in January. The administration is planning an inadequate and below-market 1 percent raise for most federal employees, unless Congress passes the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act instead. Read more.
Around NTEU: Chapters Speak Out at Rallies
Top row: Last week, Chapter 10 (IRS Chicago) hosted a rally at the John C. Kluczynski Federal Building calling for an end to the government shutdown and sounding an alarm on the negative impacts to the federal workforce and American public. Chapter 10 President Lorie McCann addressed the crowd, along with Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Reps. Jesús "Chuy" García, Sean Casten, Lauren Underwood, Danny K. Davis, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Jan D. Schakowsky. Union leaders from AFGE and IFPTE showed their solidarity.
Bottom row: Last month Chapter 279 (EPA Cincinnati) hosted a rally, with help from Chapter 9 (IRS Cincinnati), in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s mission and employee union rights. Chapter 279 President Michael Ottlinger and Chief Steward Joe McDonald spoke, along with Rep. Grag Landsman (D-OH). Members from AFGE and the Registered Nurses Association of UCMC were also in attendance.
Happening at NTEU