Shutdown forces non-essential workers off the job

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) -- At midnight Tuesday, parts of the federal government will be closed for business after prolonged budget bickering in Washington. The shutdown will effect some federal workers in the Louisville area.

According to the American Federation of Government Employees, Many of the Census Bureau's 1,500 employees in Jeffersonville, Indiana will be furloughed as a result of the government shutdown.

Some of those employees lined 10th Street in Jeffersonville Monday to voice their opposition to the stalemate in Congress.

Their honks only reached across 10th street, but they were hoping they would be heard in Washington--and make politicians reach across the aisle for a compromise.

"We're at their mercy," said federal employee Christina Blantons-Alsaady. "We were told to take home perishables, plants, anything personal since we won't know when we'll be returning to work."

Matthew Gibson isn't on government payroll, but he worries about his mom who is. "She's got a little saved up, but it's going to hurt her," he said.

Many said they have been through this before, and they know a paycheck will come eventually. In the meantime, the bills will pile up.

"I think they said they would give a debtor letter that we could give to our mortgage company, but you can't take that letter to the grocery and say, 'I get paid in five weeks can I get food now?' or 'can I put gas in my car now?'" said Blantons-Alsaady.

Also being furloughed are about half of the 10,500 civilian employees at Ft. Knox. Only those essential to life, health and safety would remain. The 9,500 troops stationed there will still report for duty, but paychecks could be delayed.