House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the announced retirement of American Federation of Government Employees National President John Gage:
"For over a quarter century, John Gage has dedicated his career to making sure that government employees can focus on working on behalf of Americans instead of having to worry about receiving the pay and benefits they have earned through their service. As national president of the American Federation of Government Employees for the past nine years, John has been a tireless defender of our nation's public servants during a time when they have been asked to do more with less. Under his leadership, AFGE has continued to be a leading voice for the collective bargaining rights of all our workers in this country. The son of a Pittsburgh steel worker and union member, John was raised among working families who saw organized labor not only as a means to defend rights but also to strengthen entire communities and help them achieve the American Dream.
"Thanks to John's work with AFGE's Local 1923 and with the national organization, those who serve Americans as government employees have done so with the confidence that he and his AFGE leadership team were there to watch out for them. I join in wishing John and his family all the best as he prepares to retire as national president, and I look forward to continuing to work with the men and women of AFGE after his successor takes office."