A government shutdown has recently affected U.S. federal workers, many of whom are now on unpaid leave. While essential employees remain on duty, they too may not receive pay during this pause in government operations. This shutdown, which began on Wednesday, stems from a failure in Congress to pass an annual budget due to partisan disagreements over federal spending and healthcare tax credits.
Federal workers have shared their experiences during this shutdown, which they find unsettling. One worker reflected on the previous shutdown in 2018-19, noting that its duration caused personal financial challenges, including the need to withdraw from retirement savings. They expressed frustration over the current difficulties in accessing those funds and the toll it takes on their ability to meet financial obligations.
Another employee from the Department of Homeland Security in New Jersey voiced their support for the shutdown, indicating concerns about the president’s actions regarding Congress’s budgetary authority. In contrast, a worker for the Army Corps of Engineers described feeling conflicted, acknowledging a brief respite from a demanding work environment while expressing uncertainty about the outcomes of the shutdown.
A staff member at the Aviation Weather Center raised concerns about receiving delayed pay while federal funds are tied to broader political conflicts. They highlighted a sense of injustice in how their position and agency’s funding are impacted by disagreements unrelated to their work.
An anonymous employee of the U.S. Air Force expressed distress about the necessity of reporting to work without pay, which could lead to being marked as absent without leave (AWOL). From the Department of the Treasury, another worker urged Democrats to resist compromises that they believe could jeopardize healthcare for Americans while emphasizing their commitment to their views despite job-related pressures.
This shutdown appears to be compounded by an effort from President Donald Trump to pursue permanent cuts to government staffing and spending.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg0z2dx7w1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss