Federal Workers Voice Concerns Amid US Government Shutdown

Fri Oct 10 2025 17:27:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Federal employees express frustration as government shutdown results in unpaid leave and uncertainty over salaries, with varied opinions on the current political impasse.

During the current US government shutdown, federal workers are experiencing financial uncertainty, with many on unpaid leave or working without pay. While some support the shutdown for its political intent, others feel their livelihoods are being compromised. The shutdown reflects ongoing partisan disputes in Congress, with potential implications for job security and government operations.

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 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, occurring when Congress fails to pass an annual budget. This one began on Wednesday, characterized by partisan disputes over federal spending and Democratic demands to extend healthcare tax credits.

What makes this shutdown different is President Trump's aim to use the opportunity to make permanent cuts to government staffing and spending.

BBC News has spoken to federal workers about their views and how the shutdown has affected them. Most comments are anonymous, as US government staff generally cannot speak to the media without risking disciplinary action.

'I'm rather conflicted'

One federal worker described the last shutdown, which lasted over a month, as brutal, leading him to withdraw from his retirement plan to cover bills. He noted the difficulties in accessing retirement funds during this shutdown.

Another worker from the Department of Homeland Security voiced support for the shutdown, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Congress's power over spending.

A worker from the Army Corps of Engineers felt conflicted but appreciated the pause from a demanding fiscal year, hoping for a productive outcome from the shutdown.

Others, like Randall from the Aviation Weather Center, expressed dissatisfaction with their pay being tied to political disagreements, especially as funding for essential services like the National Weather Service is typically non-partisan.

One anonymous Air Force employee highlighted the dilemma of showing up to work without pay. Meanwhile, a Treasury Department worker urged Democrats to stand firm against the assault on healthcare and not be swayed by threats against their jobs.

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