Furloughed workers rally in Midtown to urge shut down end

The city's furloughed federal workers said they've had enough with the shut down and want to get back to work.

A couple of dozen workers rallied with U.S. Rep Carolyn Maloney  outside the Social Security Office at Second Avenue and 41st Street Monday to share their experiences during the last two weeks as they struggled to make ends meet. Many of the employees, who work at agencies such as the IRS and HUD, said they are worried their families will have to stay in limbo for a long time.

"They haven't told us anything so we don't know where it's going," said Charlie McNally, a married father of one who works as a portfolio manager for HUD.

The House passed a bill that allows furloughed workers to receive back pay but it hasn't been finalized by the Senate or the president.

Maloney said the furloughs not only hurt the 50,000 workers in the city, but also the people who depend on government services. She urged her fellow congress members to come to an agreement immediately

"This is a self-inflicted wound," she said.

Former Gov. David Paterson, who just happened to be walking near the event, agreed. Paterson, who had to deal with a political stalemate in 2009, said the federal government has to put aside their petty grievances over one bill and put the people first.

"There has to be a point where you respect the process of democracy," he said.