As the government shutdown extends, many federal workers are either furloughed or working without pay, which is really putting a strain on their finances. On top of that, looming layoffs from the Trump administration add a layer of uncertainty.
The standoff has entered its third week, and both Republicans and Democrats are ramping up their efforts, confident that their positions are resonating with voters.
The situation for federal employees is just one of several pressing issues that might encourage both sides to negotiate a solution.
“Luckily, I managed to pay my rent this month,” said Peter Farrugia, a furloughed federal employee. “But we do have some unpaid bills, so our options are limited.”
For many federal workers, this isn’t their first experience with shutdowns. They’ve faced similar challenges during Trump’s first term, but the stakes this time appear to be higher. The administration is using federal hiring as leverage against Democrats.
The shutdown started on October 1 after Democrats turned down short-term funding solutions, insisting that the bill must include an extension of health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Trump and other Republicans have stated they want to reopen the government before any discussions on health care subsidies can take place.
Layoffs Begin Under Trump Administration
The shutdown is now in its third week, with minimal signs of progress toward a resolution.
The president of the American Federation of Public Employees, representing employees at the CDC, mentioned that several employees faced layoffs over the weekend. He noted that, like many of the 8,000 affected CDC employees, he was already struggling financially, and the partial paycheck he received recently would be his last until the government reopens.
With ongoing turmoil within the agency, the conditions surrounding the shutdown and the new layoffs have left many feeling scared, nervous, and even angry.
Last week, the Office of Management and Budget’s director stated on social media that “RIF has begun,” indicating a troop reduction plan aimed at cutting down the workforce. The Vice President reiterated a week later that if the shutdown lingers, further cuts are inevitable.
Staff reductions have already started across various federal departments, with labor unions filing lawsuits to challenge the administration’s decisions.
According to court documents from the Office of Management and Budget, over 4,000 federal employees across eight departments are set to lose their jobs because of the shutdown.
Jessica Sweet, a Social Security claims specialist in Albany, shared her concerns about potential layoffs, though she has a backup plan. She acknowledged that many others do not and pointed out that the Social Security Administration is already understaffed due to earlier layoffs.
“It’s taught me that even if something becomes law, there’s no guarantee it’s safe,” she noted.
After receiving a partial paycheck, Sweet asked her local utility company to waive late fees, stressing that bills don’t wait for payment.
Shutdown Continues, Frustration Mounts
This isn’t the first time some federal employees have faced government shutdowns. The last one occurred in 2019 and lasted a record 34 days. This time, however, employees seem to be caught in the middle of political battles over government funding.
A White House memo warned last week that furloughed federal workers would not be assured back pay during the shutdown, which marks a shift from past practices affecting around 750,000 workers.
Although this directive was later retracted, it was widely perceived as a heavy-handed strategy.
Adam Pelletier, who works for the National Labor Relations Board, expressed that while the agency was largely shut down, he was fine with the situation if it led to better health care protections, which is a key demand from Democrats to resolve the deadlock.
He pointed out that ongoing furloughs have halted all investigations and union activities, leaving the agency effectively inactive.
Workers as “Political Pawns”
Doreen Greenwald, president of the Treasury Employees Union, highlighted that several members had already been laid off as of Friday. The Treasury Department is expected to lose 1,446 employees.
Greenwald voiced frustration that the Trump administration is treating federal workers as political pawns in a game of chicken.
“This isn’t about party lines; it’s a people issue,” asserted Everett Kelly, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.
“There are employees worrying about their paychecks, like TSA agents who continue to work out of patriotism, despite not being compensated. No American should have to choose between their job and family support,” he said.
Kelly and other union leaders recently urged Congress to prioritize the needs of the people over political agendas.
The rallying event was emotional; union leaders shared the struggles facing their members as the urgency grew.
Randy Irwin, president of the American Federation of Federal Employees, called on Congress to take action, suggesting that Trump seems intent on creating a hostile environment for hardworking federal employees.
Chris Bartley from the International Association of Firefighters pointed out that countless firefighters continue working without pay out of commitment, but this could lead to broader issues down the line.
“Families are being left without income,” he said. “Morale suffers, retention drops, and ultimately, public safety is at risk.”
