Federal workers share their fears as government shutdown grinds on. “No pay has me anxious.”

The impact of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown on federal workers is causing concern about their finances, job security, and the ability to serve the American public. With roughly 750,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay, the effects of the shutdown are being felt across various government agencies.

One federal worker, James Kirwan, an attorney with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), expressed anxiety about the uncertainty of when he will receive his paycheck. As the shutdown continues, Kirwan worries about accumulating debt to cover his expenses and the lack of emergency savings to rely on. Despite the financial strain, Kirwan remains committed to public service and hopes for a resolution to the funding dispute.

MT Snyder, a field examiner at the NLRB, highlighted the impact of the shutdown on the agency’s ability to investigate labor disputes and provide justice to workers. With operations halted, employees like Snyder are left feeling frustrated and uncertain about their jobs. The psychological toll of not knowing when they can return to work adds to the stress experienced by federal workers.

Another federal employee, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared concerns about the moral injury caused by the shutdown. While she expects to be paid on time due to her department’s allocation of funds, the overall morale among federal workers is low. The lack of job security and respect for government employees contribute to the stress and uncertainty felt by workers during the shutdown.

Despite the challenges faced by federal workers, their dedication to public service remains unwavering. The shutdown serves as a reminder of the importance of government employees in serving the American public and upholding the values of job security and dignity. As the shutdown continues, federal workers hope for a swift resolution to the funding dispute to alleviate their financial burdens and restore normalcy to their work.