🇺🇸 22 Days Without Pay: US Shutdown Pushes Federal Workers to Gig Jobs
The US government shutdown that began on October 1 has now entered its 22nd day, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees without salaries.
According to media reports, many government workers have taken up food delivery, ride-sharing, or temporary part-time jobs to meet daily needs and pay EMIs.
⚖️ Trump’s Funding Bill Fails 11th Time — Second-Longest Shutdown in US History
On October 20, the US Senate voted for the 11th time on the funding bill but once again rejected President Trump’s proposal, marking the second-longest shutdown in American history.
The stalemate continues as lawmakers remain divided over healthcare funding.
🏥 Healthcare Program at the Heart of the Deadlock
The impasse stems from disagreements over the Obama-era healthcare subsidies.
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Democrats want to increase government subsidies for health insurance.
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Republicans, however, fear that expanding subsidies will raise spending and hurt other federal programs.
✈️ Air Travel Hit Hardest: Controllers Working Without Pay
CNN reports the worst impact is on air traffic controllers — deemed essential workers who must continue working without salaries.
Thousands of controllers are now struggling to pay bills. Many have turned to Uber, food delivery, or restaurant work after their shifts to make ends meet.
“We’ve been told we’ll get paid eventually, but nothing has happened yet,”
said Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).
Experts warn that stress and fatigue could affect flight safety.
According to FlightAware, over 7,800 flights were delayed and 117 canceled on a single Sunday. Earlier this month, more than 23,000 flight delays were linked to staff shortages.
🔍 Why This Shutdown Is Different
Unlike past shutdowns, this one has turned into a battle of egos between Democrats and Republicans:
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Democrats attack Trump, defending health subsidies and challenging his power to block funds.
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Republicans see this as an opportunity to cut government jobs and Democrat-backed programs.
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Trust deficit: No late-night compromises, only blame games.
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Economic risk: Over 750,000 employees are on unpaid leave, reducing spending and slowing GDP growth by 0.2% per week.
💰 Wider Impact of the 22-Day Shutdown
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Employees: 7.5 lakh (750,000) federal staff on unpaid leave; essential workers like police, army, and air controllers still working without pay.
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Flights & Food Programs: Delays and risk of food aid suspension for low-income families.
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Tourism: Smithsonian museums remain closed; Trump suggested reopening them.
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Nuclear Security: 1,400 employees of the National Nuclear Security Administration sent home, raising safety concerns.
🧩 Trump’s Political Gamble
The shutdown allows the Trump administration to classify services as “essential” or “non-essential.”
He can cut Democrat-supported programs like education, environment, and healthcare — while keeping defense and immigration funded.
The White House has reportedly instructed agencies to blame Democrats, a move experts call ethically questionable.
While a short shutdown could benefit Trump’s agenda, a prolonged one risks economic damage and public backlash.
🗓️ What Is a Government Shutdown?
The US fiscal year begins on October 1. If Congress fails to pass a new budget, the government runs out of funding and non-essential services shut down.
This cycle repeats unless both chambers of Congress approve the spending bill.
📚 Not the First Time: America’s Most Notorious Shutdowns
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2013: Only one person was left to maintain the 8,891 km US-Canada border; all others were furloughed.
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2013: Over 120,000 war graves maintained by the US government were closed.
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2018: Flight cancellations soared as unpaid airport staff skipped work.
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2018: The FBI Director warned of running out of funds, hampering critical investigations.
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