US government shutdown forces some overseas bases to stop paying workers

"Thousands of people working at overseas bases in Europe have had their salaries interrupted since the shutdown began almost six weeks ago. In some cases, governments hosting the U.S. bases have stepped in to foot the bill, expecting the United States to eventually make good. In others, including in Italy and Portugal, workers have simply kept working unpaid as the gridlock in Washington drags on."

"In some cases, governments hosting the U.S. bases have stepped in to foot the bill, expecting the United States to eventually make good. In others, including in Italy and Portugal, workers have simply kept working unpaid as the gridlock in Washington drags on. It's an absurd situation because nobody has responses, nobody feels responsible, said Angelo Zaccaria, a union coordinator at the Aviano Air Base in northeastern Italy. This is having dramatic effects on us Italian workers, he told The Associated Press."

Thousands of local national employees at U.S. military bases across Europe have experienced interrupted pay due to the prolonged U.S. government shutdown. Host-nation responses vary: some governments have temporarily covered wages while other local workers, notably in Italy and Portugal, continue to work without pay. Jobs affected include food service, construction, logistics, maintenance and specialized roles, with workers employed either by U.S. government contracts or private contractors. Payment arrangements depend on bilateral agreements. The Pentagon issued a brief statement valuing local employees but declined further follow-up questions. Union representatives report serious financial and social impacts on affected workers.

Read at www.mercurynews.com