Federal workers fear another government shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The last federal government shutdown was rough. Greg Guthrie and co-workers at the Department of Commerce lived through 35 grueling days.
"I feel some anxiety. I am kind of anxious about what's going to happen. Everybody seems to be saying hey they are going to work it out but I heard that kind of stuff before,” says Greg Guthrie.
The National Federation of Federal Employees tell 7 On Your Side it's sad we're even facing a possible repeat.
"Their entire livelihood was upended right around Christmas time. It was really disastrous for Federal workers altogether,” adds Randy Erwin, President of the National Federation of Federal Employees.
It was the longest shut down in history. Just under 400,000 workers furloughed without pay.
U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee, tells me a shutdown isn't in her plans.
"We don't intend to have a Federal shutdown. We are going to be working very hard to keep the government open. Helping people. Serving people,” says Rep. Maloney (D) New York.
Here's some advice from the Office of Personnel Management if you are furloughed:
Health, dental, vision and life insurance should continue but flexible spending accounts and payroll deductions might stop.
All paid leave is usually canceled. You should be able to take a 2nd job or apply for unemployment.
The National Academy of Public Administration says there is a bright spot.
"I think the good news for federal workers is that likely there will still be one more paycheck following that shut down and that gives all the negotiators a little bit more time to work out the details so nobody misses a pay period,” adds Terry Gerton, President & CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration
Something to keep in mind, during any federal shutdown members of Congress and the President still get a paycheck. Back pay for all furloughed workers is usually paid back after any federal shutdown.
