Feds Told Shutdown Furloughs Extended to Late November — What It Means for Over 700,000 Workers

As the 2025 federal government shutdown stretches into its second month, agencies are issuing renewed furlough notices to employees — extending unpaid leave for many and deepening uncertainty about job status, pay, and back‑pay prospects.

What’s Happening

Beginning October 31, several major federal agencies — including the Department of Commerce (DoC), Department of Justice (DoJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the General Services Administration (GSA) — delivered new notices to furloughed employees telling them that their non‑duty, non‑pay status will continue through late November, unless a funding deal is reached. FedNews Network+2Government Executive

For example, the Commerce Department’s letter stated:

“This furlough… is not expected to exceed 30 days. Therefore, this furlough notice expires on Nov. 29, 2025.” FedNews Network

Similarly, notices from the Coast Guard (via a MyCG posting) indicate the current furlough period began October 31 and runs through November 29. MyCG

Who’s Affected

• More than 700,000 civilian federal employees are furloughed, unpaid, and awaiting funding restoration. FedNews Network
• The furloughs affect workers across multiple agencies and job classifications—not just in Washington, D.C., but in regional field offices, labs, and field operations. Our Public Service
• Employees who are working (excepted/essential personnel) are also affected: they continue to work without pay until funding is restored. Many of these were first impacted earlier this month. Bipartisan Policy Center

Key Concerns and Impacts

Lack of Back Pay Guarantee

A major source of anxiety: the question of whether furloughed employees will receive retroactive pay. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has argued that unless appropriations legislation explicitly includes back pay, agencies may not be able to pay furloughed workers—even though the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (GEFTA) exists to provide such payments. The Washington Post

Economic and Personal Impact

• The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this shutdown could cost the U.S. economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, reducing GDP by 1–2% in Q4 of 2025. Government Executiv
• Federal employees report high levels of uncertainty and stress: a recent survey found nearly 70% say this shutdown feels different and less stable than prior ones. FedNews Network

Warnings of Broader Disruptions

Beyond pay, operational impacts are mounting:

• The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has begun furloughing personnel, raising national‑security concerns. New York Post
• Some agencies are sending letters that caution about operations continuing only in “excepted functions” and make clear that once funding ends, work or pay may cease.

What to Watch

• November 29, 2025: The expiration date cited in several agency furlough notices. Unless Congress acts, many workers may remain furloughed beyond this date.
• Next funding bill or continuing resolution: Congress must pass new appropriations or a resolution to end the funding gap and restore pay.
• Retroactive pay language: Whether the next funding legislation explicitly includes back pay will decide whether furloughed employees are guaranteed compensation for missed pay periods.
• Operational impacts: Delays in services, federal contracts, grant distributions and other government functions may worsen as furloughs continue.

What This Means for Affected Workers

• If you’re a furloughed federal employee: Expect your non‑duty, non‑pay status to continue through at least late November, unless funding is restored sooner.
• Essential employees working without pay: Be aware that while you may continue working, you have no guarantee yet of back pay unless Congress includes it explicitly.
• Both groups should explore financial planning options — many are already facing hardship, and the longer the shutdown goes on, the greater the risk of missed pay and associated burdens like lost savings or delayed bills.

Sources & Further Reading

• “Feds told shutdown furloughs extended to late November”, Federal News Network. FedNews Network
• “Employees are receiving renewed furlough notices as shutdown enters second month, this time without back pay guarantees”, Government Executive. Government Executive
• “Uncertainty over back pay, RIFs deepening apprehension for federal employees under shutdown”, Federal News Network. FedNews Network
• “Shutdown furloughs will permanently cost the economy at least $7 billion, CBO says”, Government Executive. Government Executive
• “Furloughed workers not guaranteed back pay after shutdown, OMB claims”, The Washington Post. The Washington Post