(NEXSTAR) While biweekly employees are gearing up for the second of three paychecks this month on Friday, countless federal workers face an entirely different reality, with no paycheck in sight due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The shutdown entered its 21st day on Tuesday, marking the second instance of such a prolonged closure. If this impasse extends into November, it could challenge and possibly exceed the longest government shutdown ever recorded.

A resolution remains elusive, leaving a significant portion of the 2.4 million federal employees without compensation. Their last paycheck, issued on October 10, only accounted for work completed up until September 30, effectively omitting pay for the following four days.

As highlighted by our partner, The Hill, earlier this month, even those receiving partial paychecks include essential personnel such as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration staff, critical to the operation of the nation’s airports.