Confusion Over Furloughed Federal Workers: Trump Admin’s Changing Stance on Back Pay

The IRS has been facing challenges during the government shutdown but initially managed to keep its employees working by using existing funds. However, by Wednesday, those funds ran out. The agency began sending furlough notices to over 35,000 employees, sending them home until the government reopens.

The furlough notices included a crucial point: under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, furloughed workers must receive back pay for the duration of the shutdown. This law was intended to protect federal employees during any future shutdowns.

Interestingly, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently removed mentions of this law from its guidance. Instead, they suggested a new interpretation, arguing it only applied to the 2019 shutdown. Many legal experts disagreed, stating that Congress aimed to secure retroactive pay for all furloughed workers in future shutdowns.

Employees at the IRS expressed relief upon reading about the back pay in their furlough notices. “It says we get paid, in writing!” one furloughed worker noted, emphasizing its importance for union negotiations.

A survey conducted by the National Treasury Employees Union revealed that 70% of federal workers are worried about the financial impact of such shutdowns. With about half of the IRS workforce affected, the stakes are high. Historically, federal shutdowns have put immense pressure on workers, as seen during the 2013 and 2018 shutdowns, which brought attention to the need for better protections.

As conversations swirl on social media platforms, many employees are sharing their experiences and concerns. The hashtag #FederalShutdown is flooded with posts from workers discussing their fears and uncertainty about pay during these tough times.

In summary, while IRS workers face immediate challenges due to the shutdown, laws like the Fair Treatment Act are in place to help ensure they receive compensation for their time away from work. As the situation evolves, the implications for federal employees remain a hot topic.

For further details on the impact of government shutdowns, you can refer to the Government Accountability Office’s report on federal employee pay during shutdowns.



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shutdown, internal revenue service, irs, irs furlough, furloughs, back pay