JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Local workers are worrying that just as the economy is recovering, they may be stripped from work again. The Central Labor Council is keeping a close eye on the clock as it ticks down to possible sequestration.
"It could be very very detrimental to all workers, to the community," said Central Labor Council President Russell Harper.
Hard-working, middle-class Americans in Jacksonville. Those are the ones Harper says will pay the price for sequestration. They represent longshoremen, steel workers, teachers, even symphony guild members. But today, Harper says they are fighting for everyone.
"There will be less construction if any. It will probably be deemed absolutely necessary so it affects all workers not just union workers."
Harper says instead of punishing local families, congress needs to close what he calls wasteful tax loopholes and demand the nation's richest two percent pay their fair share.
"The workers feel like they're paying the lion's share. Most of us don't get the loopholes that those making over $250,000 or whatever, you pick the number."
He tells Action News unless Congress finds another way, Jacksonville will suffer from the top down.
"Pretty much every aspect of life as we know it in economics in Jacksonville would suffer if the sequester isn't settled on a timely manner."
Furlough notices for many Jacksonville workers will be handed out almost immediately.
