### U.S. Government Shutdown Leaves Overseas Military Workers in Financial Distress The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now the longest on record, has significant repercussions for local workers at American military bases in Europe. As the shutdown extends into its sixth week, many foreign nationals employed at these bases have not received their salaries, leading to financial hardships. Unions representing these workers in countries like Italy and Portugal report that hundreds of employees are affected, with over 1,300 workers in Italy and approximately 360 in Portugal going unpaid. In contrast, Germany has stepped in to cover salaries for nearly 11,000 civilian employees at U.S. bases within its borders, highlighting a disparity in how the shutdown's effects are managed across different countries [https://apnews.com/article/us-government-shutdown-europe-military-bases-ad614d5a9214bccf3343aba74a3b90f4, https://wtop.com/europe/2025/11/us-government-shutdown-forces-local-workers-at-some-overseas-bases-to-go-without-pay]. ### Breakdown of the Impact of the U.S. Government Shutdown 1. **Financial Hardship for Workers** - Local workers at U.S. military bases in Europe are facing unpaid wages due to the shutdown. - Unions report that many employees have not received salaries for weeks, causing significant financial strain. 2. **Geographical Disparities** - In Italy, over 1,300 local workers at U.S. bases were unpaid in October. - In Portugal, around 360 workers at Lajes Field base have also gone without pay. - Conversely, Germany is covering salaries for nearly 11,000 civilian employees at U.S. bases, showcasing a difference in support for workers based on location [https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/09/us-govt-shutdown-forces-some-overseas-bases-to-stop-paying-workers, https://mynorthwest.com/world/us-government-shutdown-forces-local-workers-at-some-overseas-bases-to-go-without-pay/4154106]. 3. **Worker Sentiment and Union Response** - Union representatives express frustration over the lack of accountability and communication regarding unpaid wages. - Workers are struggling to meet basic financial obligations, such as fuel and mortgage payments, due to the absence of income [https://inews.zoombangla.com/us-government-shutdown-leaadfa, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/no-money-to-pay-for-fuel-mortgages-overseas-workers-unpaid-for-weeks-amid-us-shutdown-101762604954463.html]. ### Evidence of the Shutdown's Effects on Overseas Workers - **Italy**: Over **1,300** local workers unpaid in October. - **Portugal**: Approximately **360** workers at Lajes Field base unpaid. - **Germany**: Nearly **11,000** civilian employees' salaries covered by the German government. This data illustrates the scale of the financial impact on local workers at U.S. military bases in Europe, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution as the shutdown continues [https://apnews.com/article/us-government-shutdown-europe-military-bases-ad614d5a9214bccf3343aba74a3b90f4, https://wtop.com/europe/2025/11/us-government-shutdown-forces-local-workers-at-some-overseas-bases-to-go-without-pay]. ### Conclusion: Urgent Need for Resolution Amidst Ongoing Shutdown 1. **Financial Distress**: Local workers at U.S. military bases in Europe are facing severe financial difficulties due to unpaid wages resulting from the government shutdown. 2. **Geographical Inequities**: The response to the shutdown varies significantly by country, with Germany providing support while workers in Italy and Portugal remain unpaid. 3. **Call for Accountability**: Unions are demanding clearer communication and accountability from U.S. authorities to address the plight of affected workers. The situation underscores the broader implications of the U.S. government shutdown, affecting not only domestic operations but also international workers who rely on timely payments for their livelihoods [https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/09/us-govt-shutdown-forces-some-overseas-bases-to-stop-paying-workers, https://mynorthwest.com/world/us-government-shutdown-forces-local-workers-at-some-overseas-bases-to-go-without-pay/4154106].