Montclair Businesses Stand Up For Federal Workers In Shutdown

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Have you been left without a paycheck due to the ongoing federal government shutdown? Maybe it’s time to take a trip to Montclair.

In New Jersey, about 5,000 federal government workers are going without pay as a result of the shutdown, a group of U.S. lawmakers said last week. Since then, reports of local outreach to the affected workers and their families have emerged across the state.

When we wrote about the Montclair Bread Company’s recent outreach to unpaid federal workers, their offer of a free cup of coffee and a snack resonated with scores of sympathetic community members.

The Montclair Bread Co. plans to follow up on that effort by delivering coffee and doughnuts to 500 TSA employees at Newark Airport on Thursday.

For owner Rachel Wyman, the idea to show some love to the struggling workers was a no-brainer; she has several family members who work for the government. “I'm happy to have something I can share with my community,” she said. “It's the right thing to do.”

• See related article: Montclair Bakery Offers Unpaid Federal Workers Free Coffee, Snack
• See related article: NJ Congresswoman-Elect Refuses Pay Until Government Shutdown Ends

But in Montclair, Wyman’s offer was just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some ways the local community has been reaching out to unpaid federal workers during the shutdown (story continues below photos).

On Jan. 11, the Java Love Coffee Roasting Co. wrote that any federal employee not receiving pay during the shutdown could stop in for a free cup of coffee.

"As the shutdown continues, we want to remind you that Java Love is a welcoming, safe place for all," the local coffeehouse declared. "Spread love."

Earlier this week, The Tea Store Montclair offered affected workers a free tea... as well as a scone at their sister store.

The local eatery posted the following message on Instagram:

"Are you a federal employee affected by the government shutdown? Let us treat you to a 16oz tea of your choice, free with gov’t ID for all furloughed workers, essential employees, and federal contractors who aren’t currently receiving their hard-earned pay. Our sister store @thepiestore is also offering up a free cup of coffee + scone. Come get some love and a hot drink - everyone is welcome here."

Looking to stretch out after a cup of coffee and get your mind off the shutdown? Kika Stretch Studios Montclair is offering "free Kika Assisted Stretching Sessions to each government employee throughout the shutdown."

"As more than 800,000 federal employees go without pay this week, we want to help them stay as stress free and relaxed as possible," the studio's staff said.

Affected workers seeking relief can call the studio at 973-707-2707, or book their session online at www.kikastretchstudios.com.

Looking to feed your mind during the shutdown? Starting Wednesday, Jan. 16, federal employees affected by the government shutdown and their families can enjoy free admission to the Montclair Art Museum (MAM).

Visitors will be able to explore the MAM’s galleries featuring works from its permanent collection of American and Native American art, as well as current exhibitions, "Constructing Identity in America (1766-2017)" and "Undaunted Spirit: Art of Native North America." The offer also gives visitors access to museum programs such as the weekly Drop-in Studio and 3rdFloor Family Learning Lab. To get into the museum, furloughed workers must present a valid government ID at the entrance. Plan a visit and learn more about the works on view at montclairartmuseum.org.

"We know that this government shutdown is challenging for federal employees on many levels,” MAM Director Lora Urbanelli said. “I hope that our small gesture of free admission will allow them to enjoy themselves in the midst of all the stress."

In addition, Montclair State University (MSU) will offer a day of free professional programming to all affected federal employees from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18. (Learn more about this event here)

According to a news release from MSU:

"In conjunction with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union, the National Treasury Employee Union (NTEU), and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), specially-designed courses and lectures will focus on helping attendees acquire skills and leadership training while they are out of work. In addition to training, the event will include breakfast, and a networking lunch."

Classes will include a variety of skills and management trainings, ranging from courses addressing people skills (leadership, empathy in the workplace), technical skills (project management, Excel) and career development (skill transferability) to future technical trends (bitcoin and blockchain).

Administrators wrote:

"As the state’s second largest public university, we are committed to providing educational opportunities and serving the greater community. We care deeply about our neighbors who are affected by the government shutdown. This event is the university’s way of showing our appreciation and support for our public servants."

The shutdown was born from a bitter Democrat/Republican budget battle that escalated over the holiday season and reached its 24th day on Monday. President Trump is sticking with his demand for money to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and Democrats, who took control of the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 3, are refusing to give him what he wants.

• See related article: 5 Ways Government Shutdown Could Hurt New Jersey

The shutdown isn't just affecting government workers and their families, many of whom had to pinch pennies over the holiday season due to the lack of a paycheck. It's also throwing a monkey wrench into IRS refunds, SNAP and WIC benefits, school/daycare food programs and immigration courts.

• See related article: NJ Congresswoman-Elect Refuses Pay Until Government Shutdown Ends
• See related article: New Jersey Workers Pine For Paychecks Amid Government Shutdown
• See related article: Long Wait At Newark Airport During Shutdown? Fake News, TSA Says

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Main Photo: Brad Barket (via Montclair Bread Co.)