Federal Employees Miss First Full Paycheck Amid Shutdown Pain
Federal employees across the United States are facing financial strains as the government shutdown continues. Approximately 1.4 million workers missed their first full paycheck this week. This situation has prompted serious concerns, particularly among those who are furloughed and those working without pay, many of whom are air traffic controllers.
Federal Employees Impacted by Shutdown
With around half of the affected employees furloughed, the ongoing shutdown has significant implications. Data from the Bipartisan Policy Center highlights the challenges facing these workers, especially air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that over 13,000 controllers will receive a “big, fat zero” in their next paycheck, leading to heightened stress and operational challenges in air traffic management.
Increased Flight Delays and Controller Stress
Prior to the shutdown, staffing shortfalls contributed to about 5% of daily flight delays. However, during the shutdown, this figure has surged dramatically to 53%. This increase raises concerns about passenger safety and timely arrivals.
Nick Daniels, the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, expressed that controllers are under immense pressure. Many are resorting to secondary jobs to manage living expenses.
- Controllers are taking side jobs like driving for Uber or delivering for DoorDash.
- They are struggling to maintain focus due to personal financial stress.
Personal Accounts of Hardship
Furloughed employees shared their struggles during a hearing with the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. James Jones, a National Park Service mechanic, explained that he and his wife are depleting their savings to cope. He voiced concerns for colleagues facing potential eviction or foreclosure due to missed bills.
Another furloughed employee, Danny Tsoi from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, mentioned that he received only 80% of his usual paycheck, leaving him to prepare for missing his first full payment. He has sought a loan from Navy Federal Credit Union to cover expenses in the interim, highlighting the financial difficulties many are experiencing.
Temporary Solutions and Ongoing Challenges
In response to the situation, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plan to bring back furloughed employees temporarily to assist with health insurance enrollment starting October 27. However, numerous federal workers still struggle. Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.) noted that employees in her district cannot even afford gas to get to work without timely pay.
Despite available funds that could support pay for furloughed workers, Congress faces criticism for not acting swiftly. Several lawmakers, including Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, urged the Office of Management and Budget to reinstate furloughed employees and ensure they receive their paychecks promptly.
The situation raises serious questions about the financial wellbeing of federal employees in the face of prolonged government shutdowns, revealing an urgent need for legislative action to safeguard their livelihoods.
