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Washington, D.C.—The members of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the nation’s largest independent union of federal workers, share not only in the national outrage over the terrorist acts in New York and Washington, its president said today, but in the pride in America’s response to this great tragedy.

NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley called “phenomenal and heart-warming” the outpouring of assistance and support from across the nation, including donations of money, blood, equipment, time and services. “This is a big part of what makes America great,” Kelley said. “It underscores the strength and spirit of our nation.”

The union leader said NTEU shares in “the tremendous sense of loss” brought on by the terrorist attacks, and wants the nation to be encouraged by the knowledge that federal employees “will continue to do the work that promotes the safety, health and well-being of our fellow citizens.”

NTEU represents some 150,000 federal employees in 25 agencies and departments, including many who worked in or near the World Trade Center complex. NTEU-represented employees in the immediate area of the attacks included more than 1,000 in nine agencies—Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Customs Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) of the Social Security Administration.

Those in ATF and Customs were housed in Building 6 of the World Trade Center, while those in the SEC and the IRS Office of Chief Counsel worked in Building 7 of the complex.

Kelley said that NTEU chapter leaders have told her that most of the employees in the areas that were attacked are safe. Efforts are continuing to locate the others. She added that local NTEU leaders have been

working with their management counterparts on increased security efforts in and around federal buildings and offices nationwide. In the wake of this week’s deadly attacks, this work is advancing quickly in airports across the country and along the nation’s border, moves strongly supported by the union, Kelley said.

Some 7,200 NTEU-represented Customs inspectors and canine enforcement officers already serve on the front lines of America’s defense against terrorism. Less than two years ago, in December 1999, Customs inspectors thwarted a deadly attack by intercepting a suspected terrorist, along with bomb making materials, at Port Angeles, WA, on a ferry arriving from Vancouver, British Columbia.

Kelley noted that any “credible improvement” in America’s security posture must include adequate funding for what is currently a severely understaffed and overworked Customs Service.

In the broader context, the NTEU leader called for a thorough review of security at federal facilities. She said that action must be taken to strengthen security at all federal facilities for both the employees who work there and for the American people who use these buildings to get the services they need.

Following the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the General Services Administration (GSA) identified thousands of security improvements totaling more than $400 million in both capital and operating costs, including many that were generated by joint local building security committees established after the bombing.

“Everyone who uses a federal facility, whether they work there or come there to use the services that government provides, has the right to an expectation of safety,” Kelley said. “One of our nation’s highest priorities must be to make such expectations a reality.”

Relief and recovery efforts remain the immediate priority, she noted, emphasizing that the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) has established a World Trade Center/Pentagon Fund to assist federal families affected by the attacks. Families in need of assistance may contact FEEA at 1-800-323-4140 or 303-933-7580.

Statement of NTEU National President Colleen M. Kelley

NTEU Shares In The Strength And Spirit of America

The members of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), like all Americans, are appalled and angry with the deadly acts of terrorism of September 11th.

It is a difficult time for all Americans, as the full extent of these cowardly acts continues to unfold. We mourn the loss of innocent lives. We share in the sorrow of the families who have lost loved ones, as we share in the hope of those who await word of those still missing and unaccounted for. And, we share in the pride of America’s response to this great tragedy.

The work of thousands of rescue workers in New York and at the Pentagon is difficult and dangerous. The outpouring of assistance and support from across America has been phenomenal, including the donation of blood and the volunteering of time and money in support of relief efforts. And, our elected leaders – the president and members of Congress – have taken important steps to address this tragic and senseless attack on America. All of this serves to underscore the strength and spirit of our nation.

NTEU represents many federal employees who worked in or near the World Trade Center complex, including employees of the U.S. Customs Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA).

One of the outcomes of this tragic terrorist attack is a reevaluation of America’s security practices and policies. In the wake of this week’s deadly attack, this work is already advancing in airports across the country and along our nation’s borders. NTEU supports efforts to strengthen security as a means to combat terrorism.

Some 7,200 NTEU-represented Customs inspectors and canine enforcement officers already serve on the front line of America’s defense against terrorism. In December 1999, it was Customs inspectors who thwarted a deadly attack by intercepting a suspected terrorist and bomb making materials at Port Angeles, Washington on a ferry arriving from Vancouver, British Columbia. Any credible improvement of America’s security posture must include adequate funding for what is currently a severely understaffed and overworked Customs Service, which now faces expanded responsibilities at our nation’s airports.

In broader terms, there must be action taken to strengthen security at all federal buildings and facilities. Security for federal employees who work there and for the American people who use these buildings and facilities must be improved.

Following the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the General Services Administration (GSA) identified thousands of security improvements that should be made totaling more than $400 million in both capital and operating costs. NTEU is calling for a thorough review of security at federal facilities, including a review of the practice, procedures and effectiveness of contracted out security services.

We share in the tremendous sense of loss brought on by the terrorist attacks this week. We share in the strength and spirit of America as we move forward. And, as federal employees, we continue to do the work that promotes the safety, health and well-being of our fellow citizens.