When the government shuts down, hundreds of thousands of federal workers pay the price — with missed paychecks, rent delays, food insecurity, and mounting stress. Many are still expected to report to work. Others are furloughed through no fault of their own.

But Congress, the President, and top officials? They still get paid.

During every shutdown, workers are left wondering whether they’ll be made whole. Essential employees — like TSA agents, air traffic controllers, law enforcement officers, and federal medical staff — are often forced to work without pay. Others, like custodians, clerks, analysts, and office workers, are sent home with no guarantee of back pay unless Congress acts.

That’s not just unfair. It’s unsustainable.

We, the undersigned, call on:

Congress
The White House
The Office of Management and Budget

to immediately:

• Guarantee full back pay for all federal workers affected by the government shutdown
• Include contract workers, who are often overlooked and left out of post-shutdown compensation
• Make back pay automatic in future shutdowns, so workers aren’t used as political pawns
   

Federal workers keep our country running. They inspect our food, guard our borders, staff our courts, protect national parks, and serve millions of Americans. They deserve respect — and a paycheck — no matter what happens in Washington.

Shutdowns are political crises. Federal workers shouldn’t be the collateral damage.

Tell Congress: Guarantee back pay now. Keep workers whole. Stop playing games with people’s lives.