On Day 40 of the US government shutdown, the ripple is being felt across the Atlantic 🌍. American military bases in Europe are seeing local staff scramble as paychecks stall.
Italy was first to raise the alarm 🚨, urging Washington to resolve salary delays for around 2,000 local workers at the Aviano and Vicenza bases after missed October pay. Cafeteria teams, maintenance crews, and admin staff are left in limbo.
Portugal and Germany aren’t standing by 🤝. Both governments have temporarily covered wages for thousands of base employees, showcasing European solidarity while highlighting how a US deadlock can trigger a chain reaction.
Unions are waving red flags ⚠️, warning that if the impasse continues, staff hardship could spark labor action. Imagine gig workers going weeks without pay—stress levels shoot through the roof.
For young pros in South and Southeast Asia, it’s a reality check on global interconnectivity. When one country pauses funding, it can stall operations—and livelihoods—halfway around the world ✨.
Reference(s):
U.S. shutdown impacts overseas bases as Europe pushes for unpaid salaries
cgtn.com
