Who works during a shutdown and who doesn't? For federal employees, it's complicated

By Andrea Hsu,

A Martínez

Published October 1, 2025 at 4:43 AM EDT

Over two million federal workers are affected by the government shutdown. Some must report for work, many stay home -- but most won't be paid until it's over.

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NPR

Andrea Hsu

Andrea Hsu is NPR's labor and workplace correspondent.

See stories by Andrea Hsu

A Martínez

A Martínez is one of the hosts of Morning Edition and Up First. He came to NPR in 2021 and is based out of NPR West.

See stories by A Martínez

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