LOCAL
Impacted by the shutdown? Support is available
The WSLC and partners are hosting a layoff assistance session for affected workers and contractors
OLYMPIA, WA (October 20, 2025) — As the federal government shutdown nears a fourth week, tens of thousands of working people in Washington are going without a paycheck. For those workers impacted, the Washington State Labor Council, WorkSource, and Washington state’s Employment Security Department are hosting a free, virtual session sharing layoff and furlough resources.
The session is planned for Thursday, October 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will be hosted on Zoom. Attendees should register online for the session in advance.
Recognizing that the shutdown’s consequences are far-reaching, the session is intended for any worker impacted, including furloughed federal workers, laid off federal workers and contractors, and federally-funded state workers, both those who are furloughed and those who have been laid off.
WSLC Workforce Development Directors Emmanuel Flores and Chelsea Mason-Placek are helping lead the training, which will cover resources like accessing unemployment benefits, navigating health care benefits, career guidance, job assistance, and other resources offered by the WSLC.
Download the flyer and help spread the word.
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