**Federal Workers in South Florida Struggle Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown**
*FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN)* — Federal workers across South Florida are facing financial hardships and growing disheartenment as the federal government shutdown continues, caught in the crossfire of a political battle.
At Miami International Airport on Friday, several Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents were seen picking up food distributed by Feeding South Florida. With no end to the shutdown in sight, these federal workers are navigating tough times.
“It does help, especially for us that have kids at home and stuff, so it helps,” said one TSA worker. Another added, “I’m grateful for all the things that we are receiving today.” A third TSA agent commented, “It’s very nice of them, because we could use it.”
Friday marked the first payday federal employees have gone without their paychecks since the government shutdown began. Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to pass a spending bill to keep the government open past October 1st. Currently, about 1.4 million federal workers are either on unpaid leave or working without pay.
Caught in the middle of the political stalemate, many federal workers are left trying to manage their finances amid uncertainty.
“So now you have to pick and choose, what can I pay now, what can I postpone, can I call the creditors to see if they’ll work with me,” said a 10-year federal employee who wished to remain anonymous. Having previously served in the military, including deployment to Afghanistan, she expressed deep frustration.
“It’s disheartening ’cause I’ve served with, you know, my country and I chose to do it again. On this side, it’s almost like a slap in the face,” she said.
Retired TSA instructor Harry Herring told 7News the financial stress caused by the shutdown adds to an already stressful job for TSA employees.
“Rent, car loans, car insurance, all those expenses that have to be taken care of, it’s not gonna be taken care of,” said Herring. “That causes what I call ‘interference with my ability to do my duty.’”
Shaunellia Ferguson, who represents nearly 700 Social Security Administration workers for the American Federation of Government Employees in eastern Florida, said her members continue to work despite the hardship.
“We are human beings too. We don’t make a lot of money, we’re not wasteful, we’re not parasites the way they’re calling us, we’re not,” said Ferguson. “Especially now without getting paid, you’re still doing it, you’re still hearing all the concerns and you’re sitting there wondering ‘How is my rent gonna be paid?’ or ‘How am I gonna cover child care?’ We have feelings just like everyone else and we work and we are here to serve you, the American public.”
Organizations like Feeding South Florida have been working tirelessly to support federal workers throughout the country. However, Ferguson emphasized that what federal employees truly want is for politicians to come together and find a solution.