Labor-Community Alliance of South Florida Calls for Immediate End to the Shutdown: Stop Using Federal Workers and Public Services as Bargaining Chips, October 13, 2025
MIAMI, FL — The Labor Community Alliance of South Florida joins unions, worker advocates, and community organizations across the country in demanding an immediate end to the government shutdown. Federal workers and essential services must not be used as bargaining chips for bad policies that harm working people and dismantle programs meant to keep us healthy, productive, and safe.
The Shutdown Hurts Real People — Not Politicians
Thousands of federal employees are locked out or forced to work without pay, while contract workers — including cleaners, cafeteria staff, and security guards — may never be compensated. These are the people who keep our communities running.
Meanwhile, critical public services — from food safety inspections and veterans’ benefits to environmental protections and public health programs — are being disrupted. The result is chaos for working families, small businesses, and communities already struggling to make ends meet.
“This shutdown is not an abstract political dispute,” said Lorenzo Canizares, Co-Chair of the Labor Community Alliance of South Florida. “A government that truly works for the people should never hold them hostage. Federal workers and the public they serve are paying the price for policies that place greed over humanity. We join our allies across the nation in saying: enough. End the shutdown, stop advancing policies designed to harm people or sow division, and put people first. A government that cannot serve its people has failed its purpose. Manufacturing domestic conflicts where none exist is a despicable abuse of power — an unjustified attempt to consolidate control.”
His words reflect a growing frustration among working people who see political leaders using federal paychecks, community services, and safety nets as leverage in ideological standoffs.
We Stand in Solidarity with Working People Nationwide
The Labor Community Alliance echoes the AFL-CIO’s call to put working people first (aflcio.org):
“Working people cannot afford to be bargaining chips.”
LCA demands:
An immediate, clean resolution to end the shutdown and restore pay to all affected workers.
Protection of essential federal programs that safeguard worker health, safety, and community well-being.
An end to political hostage-taking at the expense of public services and the people who provide them.
Why South Florida Is Especially Affected
In South Florida — where the cost of living is high and many families rely on federal support programs — the impact is particularly severe.
Health clinics and public health initiatives lose funding.
Veterans and seniors face delays in benefits.
Disaster preparedness and climate resilience programs stall.
Local economies suffer as federal and contract workers miss paychecks.
Our region cannot afford political brinkmanship that deepens inequality and insecurity.
Standing Together, Supporting the Movement
While the Labor Community Alliance of South Florida is a small organization, its solidarity is unwavering. LCA stands ready to support the efforts of unions, advocacy groups, and local coalitions organizing for justice and accountability. The Alliance will continue to uplift worker voices, share vital information, and connect South Florida’s labor community with the broader national movement demanding fairness and action.
“We may not be large,” Canizares added, “but we are clear about which side we’re on — the side of the people.
Enough Is Enough
Working people built this country — and they keep it running even when politicians shut it down.
It’s time to reopen the government, pay every worker, and end the practice of holding people’s livelihoods hostage to harmful political agendas.
Labor Community Alliance of South Florida
Contact:
Lorenzo Canizares
l.canizares@aol.com
