LoginThe Federal government shutdown has been going on for nearly two weeks, and its effects may harm thousands of jobs in the United States defense industry.
Exact figures regarding potential job losses are not clear, as the shutdown is still in its relative infancy, but at least three companies in the field have said that jobs may become a liability, according to UPI. BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky have warned that thousands of jobs may be lost or made unavailable. Specifically, 3,000 Lockheed Martin employees would be furloughed, given temporary unpaid leave, with the potential of more layoffs. Sikorsky has also said that at least 2,000 positions would be lost, while BAE Systems may see 1,000 intelligence and security positions eliminated.
The Defense Contract Management Agency has furloughed 85 percent of its personnel for the shutdown's duration, which means their jobs will most likely remain. However, some sources believe that contractors' layoffs in states such as Florida and Texas could number in the tens of thousands with a continued shutdown, according to Forbes {break into 2}. The effects on company results are not yet known but may have drastic impacts on the industry as a whole.