Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Congressman Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26) is standing up for the local federal workforce, especially following the recent impact of actions by the Donald Trump administration in Washington targeting dedicated public servants.
Rep. Kennedy hosted a roundtable on Friday with nearly a dozen labor union leaders to discuss the recent slashes to the local workforce, and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of workers who serve the community and keep the country running.
"Under the Trump Administration, Elon Musk is illegally hallowing out our federal workforce in Western New York and across the country, leaving workers without their livelihoods and families without the services they rely on," said Kennedy on Friday. "We stand united in the fight to protect federal workers in Western New York and defend against attacks on our government by someone who has no business running it: An unelected billionaire. This is not just a labor issue — it’s a public safety issue, a national security issue, and a fundamental question of how we value the people who serve this country. I will fight tooth and nail to defend our federal workforce, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do what’s right."
During the roundtable, union leaders shared firsthand accounts of mass layoffs, uncertainty, and the chilling effect these actions are having on the federal workforce. Many highlighted the chaos and confusion among employees facing abrupt terminations, reduced staffing, and the erosion of key labor protections and trust between management and employees.
Kennedy also outlined steps he’s taken to hold the administration accountable, including joining his colleagues to oppose mass firings, supporting legal challenges against unjust terminations, and working with his colleagues in Congress to push back against efforts to dismantle federal worker protections.