Right now, some 1,500 janitors, cafeteria workers and security guards are out of work because of the #TrumpShutdown. They don’t know when they’ll get paid again. And unless we do something, many will never make up their lost wages, because they’re employed by private contractors.
Talked with some of these workers yesterday, at an emergency meeting of their union @unitehere. Throughout the day, we'll share their stories on Twitter with the hashtag #ShutdownStories. Follow along.
“Personally, I have to pay rent, I have other bills, I have a college student in his second semester and he needs help with his books and stuff. President Trump, I’m asking you: would you please open the government?” – Jackie, a food services contract worker #ShutdownStories 
“I have rent to pay. Who’s going to pay our bills? And those that have kids – what’s happening to their children?” – Patricia, a contract worker #ShutdownStories
“For me, I am very affected. I have children, I have rent, that’s why for me, I am very affected. My coworkers feel bad like me. Like me, they have families too, they have rent too." – Almaz, a food services contract worker #ShutdownStories
“Contractors – we don’t get anything. We’re not going to get any back pay. We feel like we’re hostages.” – Wouby, a food services contract worker #ShutdownStories
“We have to pay our bills and there’s nowhere we can get the money.” – Sandra, a contract worker #ShutdownStories
“It gets you nervous, you don’t know when it’s going to open again. You talk to your friends & they feel the same way. Now I have to wait to see what happens but if it takes too long then I’ll have to look for another job.” – Jose, a food services contract worker #ShutdownStories
