Importantly, furloughs do not create long-term wealth losses; back pay has always been granted and, since 2019, is legally guaranteed. Employees therefore recover their pay even though they may face real financial strain in the short run. A cynical observer might call furloughs a paid vacation, yet the data tells a different story.

The September jobs report is expected to show a payroll gain of 45,000, up from 22,000 in the prior month, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.3%.

After President Trump expressed "shock" over the pace of hiring in July, much is riding on the employment data for August.

A memo sent Wednesday directs agencies to plan to permanently lay off federal workers in programs that do not align with Trump's priorities if the deadline to pass government funding lapses.

Markets enter a potentially volatile week as Washington faces the looming threat of a government shutdown amid Congressional budget negotiations, while investors await Friday's September jobs report that could significantly influence Federal Reserve policy expectations following last month's rate cut.

A new report shows D.C. severe food insecurity is rising, hitting households impacted by government job cuts hardest. Food insecurity

As the clock ticks toward Tuesday’s federal government funding deadline, Marylanders who live in Washington’s bureaucratic orbit are bracing for a possible shutdown.

The government’s decision to end door-to-door mail delivery rekindled a walkout by postal workers and may affect thousands of jobs.

The union representing Canada's postal workers has called for a cross-country strike in the wake of the federal government announcing major reforms to Canada Post.