Press Releases
DPE has media staff in Washington, D.C. to handle inquiries from journalists on issues related to professionals in unions. To schedule an interview with a member of the DPE staff, contact Katie Barrows at kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org or call 202-638-0320 ext. 15 or 202-549-5991.
DPE Urges President Trump and Congressional Republicans to End Their Government Shutdown
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2025 - The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans failed to reach an agreement with Democrats on a responsible approach to funding the government before the start of the new fiscal year Oct. 1 at 12:01am and the federal government shutdown. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement on the government shutdown:
“President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ unwillingness to work with Democrats on a responsible funding solution has shut down the government. Now there will be real harm to the American people. Federal employees, members of the military, and people working for federal contractors who have dedicated their lives to serving this country will not be paid while the government is shut down - even if they are still required to report to work. Perversely, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought has said he will use a shutdown as pretext for another illegal mass firing of federal employees. The government shutdown’s harm extends beyond the federal workforce. The government shutting down impacts veterans, retirees, and every one of us who relies on government programs and services. I urge the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans to do their jobs and work across the aisle to fund the government and end this shutdown.”
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.
DPE Remembers Former United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2025—DPE President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in response to the news of the passing of former United Steelworkers (USW) international president Leo W. Gerard:
“President Gerard was a remarkable leader who committed his life to standing up for the rights of working people. His over 50-year career is defined by his efforts to grow USW as well as the global labor movement. President Gerard was instrumental in ensuring that workers across industries had the power to achieve a fair return on their work. He will be missed.
My thoughts are with President Gerard’s family, friends, and USW siblings during this difficult time. Rest in power, President Gerard.”
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.