Practical: AI & Business News 2,000 Foreign Workers at U.S. Military Bases Go Unpaid as Government Shutdown Drags On
Nov 10, 2025
The federal shutdown is leaving 2,000 foreign workers at U.S. military bases unpaid, causing vital operations to suffer. Cafeterias are closing, cleaning services are reduced, and maintenance is stalled, putting extra strain on service members. Unpaid workers hurt local economies and can damage U.S. credibility with host nations. Discussions on how AI could help prevent future payroll disruptions highlight potential reforms needed to protect essential overseas workers. The ongoing situation raises concerns about trust and morale in military operations.
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Shutdown Cuts Pay For Overseas Base Workers
- The government shutdown stopped pay for ~2,000 foreign nationals who keep overseas U.S. bases running.
- That payment halt threatens local economies and base operations like food, cleaning, and maintenance.
Personal Reality For Longtime Local Staff
- Imagine working 20 years on a base in Germany, Japan, or South Korea and suddenly your paycheck stops.
- Workers face rent, bills, and sometimes being required by law to still show up without pay.
Funding Structure Creates Payment Vulnerability
- Foreign nationals aren't U.S. employees; pay flows through local contracts but is funded by the Pentagon's operational budget.
- During a shutdown, those Pentagon funds get locked and local commanders often can't legally release pay.