SaralnamaUS federal workers have described their state of uncertainty, with many now on unpaid leave due to a government shutdown and one remarking that their salary was being "held hostage". Workers deemed to be essential may still be on duty or at their desks, but they too may not be paid while the shutdown lasts. A government shutdown is a familiar situation in the US, and can happen whenever Congress fails to vote through an annual budget. This one began on Wednesday, and this deadlock is characterised by partisan disputes over federal spending and Democratic demands to extend healthcare tax credits. What makes this shutdown different is the fact that President Donald Trump hopes to use the opportunity to make permanent cuts to government staffing and spending. BBC News has been speaking to federal workers about their views and how… (Updated 2 Oct 2025, 20:03 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- US federal workers have described their state of uncertainty, with many now on unpaid leave due to a government shutdown and one remarking that their salary was being "held hostage"
- Workers deemed to be essential may still be on duty or at their desks, but they too may not be paid while the shutdown lasts
- A government shutdown is a familiar situation in the US, and can happen whenever Congress fails to vote through an annual budget