BREMERTON, Wash. — Federal workers across Washington state grappled with financial uncertainty as the government shutdown entered its first day, with the White House announcing that layoffs are imminent as Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked in Washington, D.C.
Thousands of federal employees deemed essential, including TSA agents, continue reporting to work but will not receive paychecks until the shutdown ends.
Tiera Beauchamp, an engineering technician at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton and a union president, said workers are already bracing for financial hardship.
“The hardest part is the uncertainty,” said Beauchamp, IFPTE Local 12 President, “We already know now we’re getting a partial paycheck next week, and that right there is very stressful for all of us.”
Despite the personal toll, Beauchamp emphasized that she and her colleagues remain committed to their mission, serving their country.
“We all dedicate ourselves not just to the paycheck but for what we do, for national security,” she said. “We all take that very seriously. It’s just, it can bring some serious anxiety, not knowing if we’re going to be able to make ends meet.”
The shutdown’s impact is being felt across multiple agencies in Washington state. While Veterans Administration hospitals continue treating patients, career counselors and office staff have been furloughed.
Mount Rainier National Park remains open but is operating with limited staff and services. Two weeks into the 2018-2019 34-day shutdown the park completely closed.
트위터 공유: 워싱턴 연방 노동자들 긴급 재정 위기 맞다