WASHINGTON – Eleven-day furloughs for military civilian employees began Monday, which the Defense Department estimates will result in a savings of $1.8 billion, part of the automatic spending cuts imposed across the federal government.
Over the next nine years the U.S. plans to slash $1.2 trillion in defense and domestic discretionary spending. In the 2013 fiscal year the government has cut approximately $85.4 million in spending, $46 million of that in defense.
The 11-day furlough plan mandates that 85 percent of the more than 700,000 military civilian employees take temporarily unpaid leaves totaling 11 days or 88 hours per employee. The furlough time off will be scattered throughout the next few months.
All employees have been or will be notified before their individual furloughs take effect. Approximately 187 employee appeals have been filed against the furloughs,, but appeals will not be heard until after July 8.
Civilian military employees, including those working in combat zones, wounded warrior caregivers and full-time sexual prevention and response coordinators are exempt from the furlough.
The Department of Defense may not use contractors or members of the military to handle work done by those affected by furloughs.
Part-time employees will have a prorated furlough time off based on work schedules. If additional furlough days become necessary, all employees will be notified in advance.