Federal Law Enforcement Officers Face Unpaid Work as Government Shutdown Looms

THOMSON , IL, UNITED STATES, December 19, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- More than 350 federal law enforcement officers at Thomson Prison are bracing for potential missed paychecks as Congress approaches a critical funding deadline, threatening to disrupt essential operations at one of the nation's federal correctional facilities."

The impending shutdown threatens the basic financial security of our dedicated law enforcement personnel," states Jon Zumkehr, President of AFGE Local 4070. "Many of our staff will be unable to report for duty simply because they can't afford childcare without their regular paychecks. We can't offer IOUs to daycare providers the way the government does to us."

The current situation echoes the previous 35-day government shutdown, which forced many federal employees to seek secondary employment and emergency loans to meet basic living expenses. The impact extends throughout federal law enforcement, affecting Border Patrol agents, TSA officers, and prison staff nationwide who must maintain their posts without compensation until Congress passes funding legislation.

In a move that has sparked criticism, Congress has put in their own pay increases while failing to address the severe staffing shortages plaguing the Federal Bureau of Prisons. As the holiday season approaches, these essential workers face mounting financial pressure while legislators prepare to leave Washington for their Christmas break.

"It's unconscionable that Congress would strip law enforcement officers of their pay days before Christmas," emphasizes Zumkehr. "They need to remain in Washington and fulfill their responsibilities to fund the government."

Jon Zumkehr
AFGE 4070
jzumkehr@afge4070.org
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