Record-Breaking Shutdown

The current shutdown has now surpassed 35 days, breaking the previous record set during Donald Trump’s first term. Approximately 700,000 federal employees are furloughed without pay, while another 700,000 continue to work without compensation.

Government Workers Share Their Experiences

Federal workers report that the shutdown is a continuation of ongoing attacks they have faced from the Trump administration, including mass firings, significant budget cuts, and threats of withheld back pay. Micah Niemeier-Walsh, a worker at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, emphasized, “It’s become out of control. I really hope this shutdown is a wake-up call to how bad things have gotten.”

Niemeier-Walsh, who was reinstated after a court intervened against mass firings, noted that many agencies had already been operating under reduced capacity prior to the shutdown.

Furlough Notices and Anxiety Among Workers

In November, many furloughed workers received extensions of furlough notices, but without assurances of back pay once the government reopens—a recurring threat from the Trump administration. Omar Algeciras, a Department of Labor employee, remarked, “This is the epitome of harassment on people who are simply trying to serve American workers.”

The mental health strain on federal workers is significant, according to Algeciras, who serves as vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2391. “It’s unprecedented and really disheartening to see,” he said.

The AFGE’s Call for Action

The AFGE has urged an end to the government shutdown, insisting on a unified approach without assigning blame to either political party. As the deadlock persists, President Trump has affirmed no plans for negotiations, further exacerbating the stress already felt by federal employees.

Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, previously stated a desire to reframe the public perception of federal workers, indicating a troubling strategy to enforce a narrative of federal employees being villains.

Living Under Uncertainty

Federal workers like Tandy Zitkus of AFGE Local 898 have reported ongoing anxiety about job security since February, facing the dilemma of missed paychecks and navigating tough financial situations. “It’s overwhelming. It’s hard to stay positive,” Zitkus said. “We’re civil servants, and we want to be able to continue to serve the American people.”

Political Blame and Public Opinion

Amidst the turmoil, Abigail Jackson, deputy secretary at the White House, has placed full blame for the shutdown on Democrats, alleging they are holding the American public hostage to push their agenda. “President Trump wants the government to reopen,” she stated. “The Democrats can choose to reopen it at any point, and they should do so immediately.”