Manassas, VA – The current federal government shutdown has impacted Didlake, Inc., as 116 of the organization’s employees at six government contract locations are unable to work due to furloughs. Didlake is supporting these employees who have been out of work by placing them on administrative leave for time spent on furlough during the most recent pay period, enabling them to receive paychecks on Oct. 18 that are as close to their regular salary as possible.
“There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the shutdown,” said Didlake President and CEO Rex Parr. “Right now, Didlake does not have clear information about which of our government customers will pay us and which will not. In spite of this uncertainty we will be supporting our furloughed employees.”
Didlake’s use of administrative leave for furloughed employees is a one-time emergency procedure put in place to protect its employees. Employees are not guaranteed this support if the government shutdown continues and Didlake remains unpaid. In an e-mail to Didlake employees, Parr commented: “It is my hope that our elected leaders in Washington will act quickly to resolve this situation and allow everyone to get back to work.”
About Didlake
Didlake, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Manassas, Virginia. It was founded in 1965 to create opportunities for people with disabilities through services that connect them to employment, education and the community. It provides contract business services for commercial and government customers and has won numerous awards for its facilities maintenance; packaging/ assembly; and administrative services. The organization operates throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area, in the Roanoke Valley and in Greater Hampton Roads. It serves more than 1,700 people with disabilities annually. Didlake, Inc. is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, accredited by CARF and proudly serves the nation through the AbilityOne program. Its partners include the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, local Community Services Boards and United Way of the National Capital Area. For more information, visit www.didlake.org.
