(NEXSTAR) While many employees receiving biweekly paychecks are anticipating their second of three checks this month, a significant number of federal workers are facing a starkly different reality. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, many will not see any paycheck at all this Friday.

As of Tuesday, the shutdown has stretched into its 21st day, marking the second instance of a government shutdown lasting three weeks. If no resolution is reached soon, this shutdown could continue into November, potentially breaking the record for the longest on record.

Currently, countless federal employees, part of a workforce totaling 2.4 million, remain unpaid. Their last paycheck was issued on October 10, covering only up to September 30. This leaves them short of four days’ worth of wages, a significant gap for many households.

According to a report by The Hill earlier this month, certain essential workers, such as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees, have received partial paychecks. Their roles are crucial for ensuring the continued operation of the nation’s airports.