Business Daily The cost of a shutdown
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Oct 7, 2025 A government shutdown brings major challenges for federal workers, who face unpaid essential work and financial strain. The podcast highlights disrupted services, with parks closed and refunds halted. As political blame shifts between parties, experts discuss the shutdown's economic toll, including potential recession risks and rising inflation linked to labor shortages. The shutdown's impact on public confidence is examined, revealing wider consequences for the economy, travel, and benefits, leaving essential workers uncertain about their future.
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Federal Firefighter Speaks About Hardship
- William, a 38-year-old federal firefighter, describes working mandatory shifts without pay during the shutdown.
- He says he earns about $16/hour as a GS-5, is a single father of three, and relies on multiple jobs to survive.
Shutdown Creates Perverse Payment Dynamic
- The shutdown forces many federal employees to stop providing services while still legally entitled to back pay later.
- That creates the odd situation of paying people for interrupted services and undermines public provision continuity.
Union President Lists Services At Risk
- Doreen Greenwald lists services affected by the shutdown, from tax processing to national park security.
- She warns that inspections, refunds and retirement processing may halt, stressing service delivery and public safety.