SHUTDOWN: One-third of chemical depot workers could be affected
Essential employees at Pueblo Chemical Depot continue would continue working during a government shutdown.
Roughly two-thirds of the workforce that supports Army activities at the depot would be expected to remain on duty, but the others would be sent home.
All are required to report for work today. if the shutdown takes place, those who are considered nonessential then would receive furlough notices.
There are about 350 workers supporting the Army at the depot. Military employees remain on duty regardless, but most are civilian workers.
Only 120-130 would be sent home without pay during a shutdown. Congress could decide to pay them retroactively when the shutdown ends.
The rest primarily are responsible for security of chemical weapons that are stored at the depot, buildings, gates and the new chemical destruction facility. Police, fire and emergency service workers also are considered essential.
They would continue to work and be paid, said spokesman Chuck Sprague.
More than 800 contract workers at the depot would not be affected.
Army employees at the depot went through a one-day-per-week furlough from July 11-Aug. 15.