The federal government shutdownwill impact thousands of employees in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, according to a union representative.
Although top congressional leaders met at the White House on Monday night, Republicans and Democrats failed to come to an agreement in time to maintain government funding.The government formally closed downat midnight on Wednesday morning
This halt will take effect immediatelydisruptions in the federal workforceAcross the nation, from furloughs to employees being required to work without pay until the shutdown concludes. However, this deadlock introduces fresh worries for federal employees. The Trump administration, in a memo, has instructed federal agencies to contemplate reduction-in-force notices, commonly referred to as RIFs, if a shutdown occurs.
This may impact approximately 34,000 federal employees residing in the Philadelphia region.
“I’ve never witnessed the federal government threaten to dismiss federal workers due to Congress’s failure to provide funding for the government,” stated Richard Gennetti, a national representative for the American Federation of Government Employees.
The RIFs would total tolayoffs for federal employeesThe memorandum issued by the White House Office of Management and Budget instructs agencies to evaluate reduction-in-force notifications for employees involved in programs, projects, or activities that have discretionary funding ceasing on October 1 or lack other funding options. It further states that staff members should receive RIF notices if they are part of programs or projects “not aligned with the President’s priorities.”
The note states that workforce reductions would not be required if a government shutdown was prevented.
Gennetti states that AFGE advocates for approximately 10,000 federal employees in the Philadelphia region and 40,000 throughout Pennsylvania. He notes that the union, which is the biggest one representing federal workers, thinks the RIF notifications would be unlawful in this situation and that employees are being exploited as political tools.
It needs to be focused on productivity and efficiency, rather than on impulse and revenge or anger toward a particular political party,” Gennetti stated. “Federal employees should never become a political pawn. Unfortunately, this has happened far too often.
It remains uncertain when or whether job cuts will occur, which departments will be impacted, or how many government employees might be affected. President Trump was questioned outside the White House on Tuesday morning.
“Well, we could accomplish many things,” Mr. Trump stated.
In addition to possible job cuts, if a shutdown were to occur, CBS News predicts that at least 494,000 people could be placed on unpaid leave. A Tuesday projection from theCongressional Budget Officesaid that the number might increase tomore than 750,000.
Numerous other federal employees will remain at work, including those inactive-duty military, but not receive payment until the shutdown concludes. Although employees will be compensated with back pay, Gennetti mentions that bills continue to arrive and costs can accumulate as a shutdown prolongs. He referenced the lastfederal government shutdownFrom December 2018 until January 2019.
We had federal workers who turned to state welfare programs during the 2018-2019 shutdown,” Gennetti stated. “Individuals received food stamps and other public aid because they were without a paycheck and required funds to get by.
At the IRS facility in Philadelphia, Alex Jay Berman, the executive vice president of the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 71, stated that he was informed the Treasury Department plans to utilize funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to ensure its employees are paid for one week. Following that, it remains uncertain what will occur.
We are uncertain,” Berman stated. “We have no clue.
Berman states that uncertainty is affecting federal employees, who have already gone through earlier rounds of buyouts this year,Department of Efficient Governance Reductions, retirements and more.
I need to figure out that we’re supporting a significant portion of the pharmaceutical industry when it comes to blood pressure, anxiety, and depression,” Berman said. “But if you know federal employees, give them a hug. They could really use it right now.
Gennetti states that the union considers these RIFs, in these situations, to be unlawful and mentions they are exploring methods to address it.fight them in courtif they are passed down
TSA officers, air traffic controllers operating without compensation
The FAA and TSA classify the majority of their staff as essential, meaning roles such as security screeners, federal air marshals, air traffic controllers, and safety inspectors must report to work during a government shutdown — despite not receiving compensation.
They are assured of receiving back pay retroactively once the shutdown concludes, but the longer it continues, the higher the chance that these workers will stop coming to their jobs, potentially resulting in extended security lines soon.
At Philadelphia International Airport, we interviewed travelers regarding the current circumstances.
I hope they can reunite and fulfill their responsibilities,” said Bill Ferrier from Reno, Nevada. “If I were a TSA agent, I wouldn’t want to work without compensation.
“It’s somewhat disheartening, considering the decline in business, we’ve already dealt with tariffs affecting us, and now trying to manage your business,” said South Jersey resident Xan Grant.
Taking the train could be a smarter choice during a government shutdown, since Amtrak functions as a separate organization and is guaranteeing passengers that trains will keep running no matter what.
Veteran looks back on previous government closure
Veteran Greg Palmer from the Navy, who stopped by the Liberty Bell on Tuesday, mentioned that he was impacted by a federal government shutdown during his time in service.
“While we’re stationed abroad, you receive combat and dangerous duty pay. Following that shutdown, I’m not sure what exactly went wrong, but I never actually received the back pay from them,” Palmer said.
But a government shutdown impacts more than just service members and federal workers, he stated.
“People in Philly who want to see the history of our country won’t get the opportunity to do so, why?” he said, noting that lost tourism and delayed paychecks can harm the economy.
Palmer expressed his hope that legislators will redirect their attention from ideological conflicts and concentrate on the constituents they serve.
They ought to be devoting their time to matters that hold greater significance,” he stated. “The people.
