YARS Employees Furloughed Due to Government Shutdown

VIENNA TOWNSHIP – As a result of the government shutdown that went into effect at midnight Saturday, the Youngstown Air Reserve Station is “on nonoperating status until further notice.”

Employees at the air station reported this morning to sign their furlough notice and shut the base down.

Until the government shutdown is over, civilian employees will “be placed in a furloughed no pay, no work status” while military employees will continue to work at the base with pay, though they won’t be paid until Congress approves appropriations.

In addition, the base will cease “normal operations” and be unable to provide some services to those with Department of Defense IDs.

YARS employs nearly 2,000 people, making it the fourth-largest employer in the Mahoning Valley.

“This lapse in appropriations puts undue hardships and uncertainty on our workforce as well as retirees and veterans in our community who rely on our services,” said Col. Dan Sarachene, commander of the 910th Airlift Wing. “Stability is critical to readiness. Continuing Resolutions do not provide the stability we need. The Air Force needs an enacted appropriation for the entirety of Fiscal Year 2018 as soon as possible.”

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