White House Challenges Back Pay for Furloughed Workers During Shutdown
The White House is facing scrutiny over a draft memo suggesting that furloughed federal employees might not receive back pay for time not worked during the ongoing government shutdown. An administration official confirmed this development, indicating it reflects a new legal interpretation that could spark controversy both in Congress and among federal workers.
Details of the Draft Memo
The memo, reportedly from the Office of Management and Budget, argues that the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA) has been either misinterpreted or is “deficient.” GEFTA, enacted during President Donald Trump’s first term, was intended to ensure that furloughed workers receive pay after future shutdowns. It was a response to previous uncertainties that left many federal employees anxious about their finances.
Impacts of the Shutdown
As a result of the current government shutdown, approximately 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Those not furloughed will still work without pay until the budget impasse is resolved.
Many affected employees will see a reduced paycheck soon, resulting in lower earnings for the first few days of October. For numerous workers, this paycheck may be their last until an agreement is reached.
Official Responses and Guarantees
This draft memo stands in contrast to President Trump’s assurances made during a visit to a Naval installation in Norfolk, Virginia, where he celebrated the US Navy’s 250th birthday. He encouraged service members not to worry about delayed pay, asserting, “We will get our service members every last penny.”
In addition, he proposed “across-the-board pay raises for every sailor and service member in the United States Armed Forces.”
In response to the draft memo, the American Federation of Government Employees pointed out inconsistencies with the White House Office of Personnel Management’s guidance issued in late September. This guidance stated, “After the lapse in appropriations has ended, employees who were furloughed will receive retroactive pay.”
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over the draft memo highlights the complications and uncertainties faced by federal employees during government shutdowns. With differing interpretations of GEFTA and administrative guidance, many workers remain hopeful for clarity and financial resolution.
