Threat of furloughs, layoffs loom over federal workers in Oak Ridge

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE) — Federal workers in Oak Ridge are facing furloughs and possible layoffs as the government shutdown continues. One of the hardest hit groups, employees with the National Nuclear Security Administration, including those in East Tennessee.

The shutdown is already creating uncertainty for construction workers in Oak Ridge, many of whom depend on federal contracts to stay on the job.

"Currently we just have that that threat on the horizon where you could be laid off and furloughed and sent home until the government reopens and reapproved some budgets and brings you back in, and who knows how long that could happen,” explained Chris O’Keefe, the President of the Tennessee State Building and Construction Trades Council.

O’Keefe said the impact of a shutdown won't just