Dear ,

The Silent Burden: Overworked and Underappreciated Government Employees

Government of Guam employees, represented by GFT, are the backbone of our island's public services, ensuring the daily operations that keep Guam running smoothly. However, the reality for many of these dedicated workers is that they are overworked, underappreciated, and in some cases, placed in situations that challenge their well-being and safety.

One glaring example is the ongoing issue of understaffing in various sectors, such as education. Reports from across the island show that teachers and staff are stretched too thin, managing more responsibilities than ever without sufficient resources. While this is visible in schools, this challenge resonates with employees across all Government of Guam departments—whether it's healthcare, infrastructure, public safety, or administrative services.

The Ripple Effect of Overwork

Understaffing doesn't just increase workload; it creates a domino effect. Employees feel the strain of longer hours, less support, and mounting responsibilities. Tasks that should be divided among many fall on the shoulders of the few, leading to burnout. And burnout isn’t just a personal issue—it impacts the quality of work, efficiency, and, ultimately, the services the public relies on.

In environments such as hospitals, for instance, inadequate staffing can compromise patient care, leading to long wait times and increased pressure on healthcare professionals. In public safety, it could mean delayed responses to emergencies. And in education, the lack of adequate staff directly affects our children's learning experience, with teachers stretched so thin that they are unable to give students the attention they deserve.

Lack of Appreciation Adds to the Strain

Beyond the burden of excessive workloads, there’s another layer that contributes to employee dissatisfaction: the feeling of being underappreciated. Day in and day out, these workers dedicate themselves to serving the island, often without recognition or acknowledgment of the extra effort they are putting in.

A lack of appreciation can manifest in various ways—whether it’s low pay despite high demand, minimal opportunities for professional growth, or inadequate recognition for exceptional work. The message that this sends to employees is clear: their sacrifices are invisible. Over time, this sentiment can erode morale, leading to high turnover rates and the loss of valuable, experienced workers.

The Call for Change

Addressing these issues isn’t just about improving working conditions; it’s about creating a sustainable workforce. The Government of Guam must recognize the value of its employees by taking steps to ensure proper staffing levels and fair compensation. It’s crucial that workers feel valued and appreciated, both financially and through meaningful gestures of recognition.

As GFT members, we stand united in advocating for these necessary changes. We must ensure that every employee, from teachers to nurses to government clerks, has the support they need to perform their jobs effectively without sacrificing their well-being.

By prioritizing fair labor practices, we can help reduce the strain on overworked employees, improve the quality of public services, and foster a culture of appreciation and respect across the Government of Guam.

Remember, we are not just employees—we are the lifeblood of this island. Let’s make sure our voices are heard and our contributions are acknowledged.

An AFT Campaign: Code Red

Our healthcare system and the health professionals who staff it are at the breaking point. Hospitals were understaffed, in many cases dangerously so, long before COVID-19. And now, frontline caregivers are burned out, exhausted from the moral injury of being forced to provide inadequate care and leaving hospital employment in record numbers. Guided by revenue- and profit-driven, often callous decision-making of our nation’s hospitals, executives put their economic bottom line ahead of patient care and the safety of their frontline healthcare workers long before the recent public health emergency. Quite simply, our nation’s hospitals have... [Read more]

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1. Mandy Pajela, GDOE, December 2006
2. Lillian Bueno-Perez, GDOE, June 2003
3. Joyce Cruz, GDOE, November 2002