LISBON, Ohio - At least 240 federal employees at the Elkton Federal Prison are furloughed due to the government shutdown.

But they're still required to show up for work, even though they won't receive a paycheck.

According to the union representing federal correctional officers and employees working in several other capacities at the prison, they are considered essential personnel, and must show up to work because 2,500 federal inmates are housed at the Elkton Township facility.

In some instances the Elkton employees are even mandated to work overtime that at this point they won't be compensated for, because it's a critical part of their job responsibilities.

Joseph Mayle is the President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local #0607, he says, "This government shutdown has brought a hardship and a burden to our families. We are committed to doing our jobs here, even risking our own safety at times. But we are disappointed because Congress needs to do it's job, so that local families and the local economy don't suffer because of politics."

21 News reached out to Congressman Bill Johnson because the prison lies within his district. Congressman Johnson says that Republicans are going to pass legislation on Saturday that would fund federal workers pay checks during the government shutdown.

"Particularly those who have been furloughed. I'm hopeful the senate will come to the table, take up that legislation and let's begin to reopen the federal government in a responsible way," Johnson said.

On day four of the partial government shutdown, The Obama administration said it supports House legislation, to give back pay to 800,000 federal workers furloughed.

The White House Office of Management and Budget, issued a statement commending Congress for moving quickly on the bill, which has bipartisan support.

The White House has opposed other piecemeal efforts by House Republicans, to restore money to some functions of government, during the partial shutdown.