The recent government shutdown has affected about 750,000 federal employees, the first of its kind since 2018. Workers have faced uncertainty and anxiety for months, especially with rumors of more job cuts swirling.
Many federal workers are feeling the strain. James Kirwan, a labor attorney within the government, emphasizes that shutdowns disrupt both services and the lives of those who provide them.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, warns that many people in the U.S. are just a missed paycheck away from needing food assistance. A prolonged shutdown would only worsen the situation, stretching resources at food banks even thinner.
“Most of us want to work and serve the public,” Kirwan shares. For those earning less than $100,000 annually, many are forced to turn to savings or take loans to get by until they receive back pay. The emotional toll is significant too; employees worry about job security and their ability to help the public.
Adding to the tension, the Trump administration has faced backlash for plans to potentially cut thousands of jobs. Just recently, a memo from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office indicated a potential layoff program. The Environmental Protection Agency is also operating with only about 1,700 out of 15,000 workers during the shutdown.
Colin Smalley, a representative for workers in Chicago, expresses concerns that federal employees are caught in a political showdown, with their livelihoods hanging in the balance. The Trump administration has aimed to reduce the federal workforce by approximately 300,000 by year-end. Although these cuts are not fully reflected in jobs reports yet, federal employment was already down 97,000 jobs as of August.
Historically, the last government shutdown lasted 35 days, costing the economy an estimated $11 billion. Kirwan notes that since Trump’s presidency began, the government has effectively operated under a form of partial shutdown, with many agencies losing employees and programs getting cut.
The stakes of this shutdown are high, not just for federal workers, but for the Americans who rely on government services. Labor unions have even filed lawsuits against the administration’s plans for mass firings, labeling them as illegal and unethical.
As federal employees navigate these turbulent times, they hope to serve the public without further setbacks. With economic stability at play, the government’s role in sustaining essential programs remains crucial.
For additional context, you can read more on the implications of government shutdowns here.
