Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Federal workers at Albany International Airport (ALB) remain unpaid as the longest government shutdown in U.S. history continues. The shutdown began on October 1, and despite recent legislative progress in the Senate, federal employees at ALB are still uncertain about when they will receive their next paycheck.
According to NEWS10 ABC, nearly 250 federal workers, including those from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), continue to work without pay. Matt Hunter, the airport's Communications Director, expressed gratitude for the workers' dedication, stating, "Since the shutdown began roughly 40 days ago, our TSA, FAA, and customs employees have continued to report for duty with pride and professionalism."
The Bipartisan Policy Center reports that the shutdown has affected federal employees nationwide, with many missing paychecks. The shutdown has led to furloughs and unpaid work for non-essential and some essential federal employees. Without a resolution, the financial strain on these workers and their communities is expected to grow.
Despite the challenges, the ALB airport has managed to operate smoothly, with only a few flight cancellations and delays, mainly due to disruptions at larger airports. Passengers like Max Harder and Ben Jerez have expressed appreciation for the federal workers' efforts, acknowledging their sacrifices during this difficult time.
As the shutdown persists, community members are encouraged to support affected workers through donations to local food banks and organizations like the United Way. The situation remains fluid, with federal workers hoping for a resolution that will restore their paychecks and bring stability back to their lives.