Germany to Cover Salaries of 11,000 U.S. Base Workers Amid Shutdown

Germany has unveiled plans to cover the salaries of roughly 11,000 local employees working at U.S. military bases throughout the country after their pay was put at risk by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

A spokesperson for the German Finance Ministry confirmed on Wednesday, October 22, that Berlin will authorize an “unscheduled expenditure” to ensure that workers receive their October wages on schedule.

“The federal government will initiate an unscheduled expenditure to ensure that October salaries are paid on time,” the spokesperson stated.

The decision follows uncertainty over whether Washington would release funds during the shutdown. The affected employees are German nationals and other local staff working at U.S. military installations in Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavaria, and Hesse.

Trade union Verdi had previously cautioned that workers might not receive their pay if the U.S. failed to act, stressing that salaries had continued during past shutdowns. The union labeled any potential non-payment a violation of German labor law and urged swift intervention to prevent financial hardship.

“The current U.S. administration appears likely to halt paycheques,” Verdi said, describing the situation as “unprecedented” and “legally questionable.”

Germany reached an agreement with Rhineland-Palatinate, which hosts major American military sites including Ramstein Air Base, to guarantee wages while awaiting reimbursement from the U.S. government.

The Finance Ministry spokesperson underscored that Berlin expects repayment once U.S. financial operations resume, framing the decision as “a sign of solidarity with the U.S. armed forces stationed in Germany and their civilian employees.”

This temporary measure ensures that thousands of local employees—including maintenance crews, administrative staff, and technical support workers—will continue to receive their salaries despite the budgetary deadlock in Washington.