Presidents Day weekend was no holiday for myriad laid-off staffers from Interior agencies including the U.S. Geological Survey and the Fish and Wildlife Service.
In a nationwide flurry of emails, phone calls, social media postings and in-person visits, current — and suddenly former — government workers recounted what happened and what might come next for them, as well as for the work they once treasured.
“My co-workers came [Saturday] to bring me care packages of snacks and supplies to keep my spirits up,” one fired USGS scientist said in an interview, who was granted anonymity for fear of retribution. “There was a lot of general concern and distress at watching colleagues go through this.”
This scientist added that “those who haven’t been fired yet are not optimistic for their longevity” in their positions.
