Federal Workers: The Shutdown Has Stopped AFGE’s Dues Cashflow—Now’s Your Chance to Opt Out and Keep Your Money

The Real Reason for AFGE Changing its Position and Now Opposing the Schumer Government Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown drags into its fourth week, hundreds of thousands of hardworking federal employees are feeling the pinch-missed paychecks, mounting bills, and uncertainty about when it all ends. But there’s an underreported angle to this crisis: the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal workers’ union, is also hurting because the shutdown has halted their automatic dues collection. Normally, AFGE relies on the government’s payroll system to deduct union dues directly from your biweekly paycheck, ensuring a steady stream of cash to fund their operations and political activities. With no federal employee paychecks issuing during the shutdown, that cashflow has ground to a halt for these union bosses as well.

This isn’t just speculation. Reports indicate that the Trump administration has ceased collecting union dues via payroll deductions at targeted agencies amid the shutdown chaos. Federal employees aren’t getting paid, and neither is AFGE getting its cut. In response, AFGE has ramped up calls for an immediate end to the shutdown, demanding a “clean” continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government and guarantee back pay. But let’s be clear: this sudden urgency from AFGE leaders isn’t just about your welfare-it’s about restoring their revenue stream. As one observer noted, “The longer the shutdown, the longer AFGE is not getting union dues. That is all AFGE cares about.” Similar sentiments echo across discussions: the union’s push to end the impasse comes after weeks of silence, likely because “if federal workers aren’t getting paid, then the union isn’t getting paid dues.”

AFGE has even encouraged members to switch to their “E-Dues” system, a direct payment method outside of payroll deductions, as a way to “guard against Trump attacks” and ensure uninterrupted funding for the union. Enrollment in E-Dues has reportedly soared, with one in five members opting in to keep the money flowing directly to union bosses. This move underscores how reliant AFGE is on your dollars-and how the shutdown exposes the vulnerability of their payroll-dependent model.

Or, just stop paying union dues now by exercising your Janus Rights Today, Click Here for free resignation letter and legal help if necessary.

Here’s the good news for federal employees: you don’t have to keep funding AFGE, especially when their priorities seem misaligned with yours. Thanks to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Janus v. AFSCME (2018)-a victory secured by the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation (NRTW)-public sector workers like you cannot be forced to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. This ruling affirmed your First Amendment rights, ending mandatory “agency fees” and allowing you to opt out at any time.

Under Janus, federal employees can stop dues payments immediately by submitting a simple form. Visit MyJanusRights.org to access the opt-out form tailored for federal workers. The process is straightforward: fill it out, submit it to your agency and union, and your deductions end. Best of all:

• You keep your money: No more biweekly hits to your paycheck for union activities you may not support.
• You cannot be fired: Opting out is your protected right; retaliation is illegal.
• The union bosses must still represent you: Due to monopoly bargaining laws, AFGE is required to provide “fair representation” in workplace matters they control, like grievances or negotiations-whether you pay dues or not.

Millions of public sector workers have already exercised their Janus Rights, saving billions in forced dues. In the midst of this shutdown, when every dollar counts, why continue subsidizing a union that’s more focused on politics than your immediate needs?

Where Your Dues Go: Overwhelming Support for Democrats Fueling the Shutdown

AFGE’s political spending tells a stark story. Your hard-earned dues aren’t just funding union operations-they’re bankrolling partisan politics, overwhelmingly in favor of Democrats. According to data from OpenSecrets, which compiles Federal Election Commission disclosures, AFGE has directed more than 90% of its political contributions to Democratic candidates and committees over the past decade. From 2015 to 2024, the union reported giving over $8.5 million to Democrats, while Republicans received a tiny fraction.

Here’s the annual breakdown*:

Election Cycle	Total AFGE Contributions	To Democrats	% to Democrats
2024	$2,675,128	$913,438	95.76%
2022	$1,987,079	$904,869	95.26%
2020	$2,382,568	$1,100,127	95.95%
2018	$3,693,208	$1,397,546	88.63%
2016	$5,380,140	$1,228,483	92.28%

 

While AFGE claims to advocate for workers, their funds are propping up the very Democrats who are prolonging this shutdown by refusing to pass a clean CR. Senate Democrats, led by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), are holding firm against Republican proposals, even as federal families stand in food bank lines and miss paychecks. If AFGE truly stood with workers, why pour millions into the party that’s creating the need for relief?

The irony is palpable: AFGE is suing the Administration over shutdown-related layoffs and emails, yet their political allies are the ones extending the pain.

As finances take a hit-with partial or missed paychecks compounding the stress-it’s time to ask: Why fund a union that’s aligned with the shutdown’s architects?

You Can Take Action Today: Reclaim Your Paycheck

Federal workers, you’ve earned your wages through dedicated service to our country. Don’t let AFGE bosses continue siphoning your money to fuel partisan battles that harm you. Exercise your Janus rights now-head to MyJanusRights.org, download the form, and opt out. You’ll gain financial freedom without losing representation, and you’ll send a message that workers come first, not union politics.

For more resources on your rights and the shutdown’s impacts, visit NILRR.org or contact the National Right to Work Foundation. Together, we can promote worker freedom and end forced unionism.

*Sources: Data on AFGE political contributions sourced from OpenSecrets.org. Additional insights from AFGE statements, Government Executive, and public discussions.*