Voices from the Shutdown: Federal Workers Share Their Struggles Amidst Uncertainty

Sat Oct 11 2025 03:58:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the US government shutdown continues, federal workers express their frustrations and dilemmas, with many facing unpaid leave and uncertainty about their futures. The ongoing political deadlock has become a source of significant anxiety for those serving the nation.

With the US government shutdown impacting the lives of federal workers, many describe their financial struggles and emotional turmoil as they face unpaid leave or continued work without pay. Opinions vary among workers, with some expressing support for the shutdown while articulating concerns over their livelihoods. This article sheds light on the human side of a political stalemate, revealing the real-world implications of budgeting debates in Washington.

US federal workers have described their state of uncertainty, with many now on unpaid leave due to a government shutdown and one remarking that their salary was being 'held hostage'.

Workers deemed to be essential may still be on duty or at their desks, but they too may not be paid while the shutdown lasts.

A government shutdown is a familiar situation in the US, happening whenever Congress fails to vote through an annual budget. This one began on Wednesday, marked by partisan disputes over federal spending and Democratic demands to extend healthcare tax credits.

What makes this shutdown different is the fact that President Trump hopes to use the opportunity to make permanent cuts to government staffing and spending.

BBC News has been speaking to federal workers about their views and how the shutdown has affected them.

Although most comments are anonymous, we have verified that the speakers are indeed federal workers. Due to potential disciplinary action, we have protected their identities.

The last shutdown was brutal, said one federal worker, recalling the impasse in 2018-19 which lasted over a month. They noted, It forced me to withdraw money from my retirement plan just to cover my bills. Now, it's more difficult to withdraw from our retirement accounts. If this goes as long as the last shutdown, I don't know how I'll pay my bills. They added, I voted for Trump, but I did not vote for his abuses against us.

Another worker from the Department of Homeland Security expressed support for the shutdown despite the financial strain. They explained, The president's circumvention of Congress' power of the purse has been left unchecked by the Supreme Court. Checks and balances must be maintained.

A worker from the Army Corps of Engineers felt rather conflicted, citing a desire for a break from a grueling work environment but uncertainty about the effectiveness of the shutdown.

Randall from Kansas City, employed at the Aviation Weather Center, voiced frustration: I don't like my pay being held hostage while the government fights over separate issues. He emphasized how essential services like the National Weather Service are typically bi-partisan concerns.

An anonymous US Air Force employee conveyed the severe financial anxiety of the situation by stating, I must still show up to work but won't get paid, because if I don't, it's considered AWOL.

Furthermore, a worker at the Department of the Treasury urged Democrats to stand firm against what they viewed as an assault on healthcare affordability. Despite potential repercussions, they committed to their stance.

Additional reporting by Kris Bramwell, Mary Litchfield, Alex Akhurst and Imogen James

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