Federal workers are expressing feelings of frustration, fear, and anger following the White House's recent threat to withhold their back pay once the government shutdown concludes. This situation is particularly concerning for many employees who rely on their salaries to make ends meet, as numerous federal employees live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford to go without their wages. This development marks yet another setback for the country's largest workforce, comprising around 750,000 federal employees who are currently on furlough—meaning they have been instructed not to work during the shutdown and are not receiving pay. Additionally, many others continue to work without compensation.
According to Imelda Avila-Thomas, an official with the federal workers' union representing employees at the Department of Labor, the atmosphere has descended into chaos. She reports receiving a barrage of messages from colleagues questioning the legality of withholding back pay and whether they should seek alternative employment. "The irony is that I work for the Wage and Hour Division, where we ensure that people are compensated correctly," Avila-Thomas stated.
When employees were furloughed on October 1st, they received documentation assuring them that they would receive back pay upon their return to work. However, uncertainty arose after Axios reported that the White House was contemplating the decision to withhold pay from furloughed workers. This has left many employees in a state of confusion and disbelief regarding their compensation rights. Union representatives, former government officials, and legal experts in administrative law assert that the administration is legally obligated to provide back pay to these workers. Even some Republicans, such as Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), have criticized the administration's strategy, stating that threatening not to compensate furloughed workers sends a poor message to those affected.
Historically, federal workers who were furloughed during previous government shutdowns received back pay. A federal law enacted after the last shutdown during President Trump's first term was believed to affirm this practice. However, recent statements from the administration indicate a shift in perspective regarding this policy. President Trump, when asked about the potential for not paying furloughed workers, insinuated that it depends on the circumstances and accused Democrats of putting many individuals at risk. "For the most part, we're going to take care of our people," Trump stated, while suggesting that some may not deserve such consideration.
Despite the conflicting messages, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued guidance indicating that federal workers should still expect to receive compensation. As of now, no formal decision has been made regarding the withholding of pay. However, several federal employees have reported feeling incensed by the White House's threats, especially after enduring a year marked by layoffs and disparaging remarks about their work. Avila-Thomas noted that approximately half of her colleagues have left their positions this year, either through early retirement or being pushed out by the administration. The overall federal workforce has decreased by more than 200,000 employees this year, with predictions of an additional 100,000 departures by December, according to administration sources.
The mood among federal employees has shifted from anxious to outright anger, with one worker stating, "I think the mood has moved past anxious and well into pissed-off territory." Another employee, currently furloughed from the Bureau of Land Management, expressed skepticism about the administration's threats, suggesting it reflects a broader strategy to test the limits of what Congress will permit.
The unions representing federal workers have already initiated complaints regarding the administration's threats to terminate employees during the shutdown. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, emphasized that the assertion that workers are not guaranteed back pay is a violation of the law. As the situation unfolds, the implications for federal workers and their livelihoods remain a concern for many.
In summary, the uncertainty surrounding the potential withholding of back pay for federal workers has led to increased tensions and fears among employees. As the government shutdown continues, the legal obligations of the administration and the rights of these workers will be crucial areas to monitor in the coming days.
