200 NC state workers face furloughs if fed government shutdown happens, says state officials

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The North Carolina Office of State Human Resources released a statement Tuesday, warning that hundreds of state workers could be furloughed if a federal government shutdown happens.

“This situation is frustrating, and we are aware of the disruption it causes,” State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer said.

According to the NCSOHR, close to 200 employees will be furloughed if the federal shutdown happens, leaving them without pay until a resolution can be reached.

“The decision to implement furloughs is not one that has been taken lightly, and I deeply regret the hardship it will cause,” Governor Josh Stein said. “I am upset with this federal dysfunction, and my administration is committed to doing everything in our power to advocate for a swift resolution.”

Furloughing the employees is a last resort, according to NCSOHR, citing a “more constrained” financial environment in the state, on top of other federal funding cuts.

Furloughed employees will still have access to health coverage, NCSOHR said, as the health plan is paid for a month in advance. The office also said affected employees will be able to access the employee assistance program, seek financial assistance through things like unemployment benefits, and temporary solutions. The state has put together a webpage listing some temporary employment opportunities, should a shutdown happen.

Federal Court in the state, however, will continue to operate in the event of a shutdown.

According to the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, the courts are funded through Friday, though staff will work without pay.

If the shutdown happens for an extended period of time, some adjustments to court proceedings may then have to be made, the administrative office said.