I seriously doubt that we will get back pay. I would be shocked if we did.
This is different than a government shutdown furlough. The point is to reduce costs to meet the cuts we were given, so back pay would defeat the whole purpose.
I could be wrong, but I doubt it. We’ll see.
From my understanding of this furlough the DoD is cutting hours worked a week from 40 to 32 hours (4 workday week). Civilian workers will not be getting back pay for hey did not work and cannot use leave to compensate for the loss. This is not a shutdown furlough where they could work without pay or take leave till the budget is passed. The DoD has told workers if furloughed they can work a second job as long as it does not interfere or create a conflict of interest with their position. It will be tough times for the lower payed government workers, GS-9 and below, and those with families.
If you work for government and are in a union I think the law requires payback. I knew a couple of civilian government employees at the Defense School in Monterey when the government shut down in the 90s. They were off for a couple of weeks, but got back pay.