A year after the end of the federal government shutdown, over 600 janitors and security officers still haven’t received back wages. Contracted workers, who earn much less than direct federal employees, “can least afford to miss even a day of pay,” said Jaime Contreras, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU, “and yet, they are still paying the price for a shutdown they had nothing to do with.” Unlike direct government employees, the modestly-paid contracted janitors and security officers who were furloughed are excluded from receiving back wages. “Time may heal all wounds, but it doesn’t pay the bills,” Contreras said.