Richmond-area government workers protest furloughs - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

The U.S. Senate passed a huge spending bill to keep the government running. However, that legislation won't stop the automatic budget cuts, deemed the "sequestration," from furloughing thousands of federal workers.

Government workers from different agencies throughout the Richmond area gathered at the Defense General Supply Center in Chesterfield Wednesday afternoon, and hit the picket line over looming pay cuts.

Notices have already been sent out to civilian workers at the Defense General Supply Center. Slashed hours are set to start in a month, reducing 20 percent of their paycheck.

"A lot of anxiety. People, they've never seen it before. So some people don't think it's going to happen," said Lucy Lewis, a 39 year employee of the DGSC.

Lewis says the cuts will affect more than her own wallet.  She says combat troops could be compromised if civilian support staff is downsized.

"This site supports the war fighter...We have our men and women out in combat, and we buy the parts that they use for the aircraft," said Lewis.

"We've already gotten our notice, and everyone has signed off. They're ready to start the furloughs," said federal prison worker Tina Smith.

Smith says less staff means less safety behind bars.

"They are taking away staff that is needed to be there for security," explained Smith.

By law, employees receiving a furlough must get a 30-day notice before the pay cuts start.

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