Maryland-based Lockheed Martin has plans to furlough 3,000 workers starting next week due to the government shutdown.
Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defense contractor, employs more than 100,000 workers, 5,000 of which are in Montgomery County, Md.
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett released the following statement Friday regarding the furlough.
These hardworking people are unnecessarily losing their jobs because of a manufactured crisis by a small group of Congressional representatives. These are the real impacts of the shutdown that are being felt all over this nation and right here in our County. Our economy is being hurt, our businesses are being hurt and our residents are being hurt.
Once again, I call on the House of Representatives to stop this needless shutdown and get Americans back to work.
The Washington Post reported in a letter to staff, Lockheed's CEO advised employees placed on furlough use up their vacation days and floating holidays, so they continue getting paid.
Lockheed is reportedly preparing for further furloughs in case the shutdown continues.
