[ladyjane]

It’s an anxious time. I can only note that in the last shutdown, we federal employees all received our back pay and benefits that were due to us,

In the private sector that uncertainty is a constant. If the product doesn't sell or the service isn't wanted we are out of a job.

If we asked for a paycheck anyway because it was "due" us we'd be either laughed at or escorted off the premises.

[TSgt]

It’s an anxious time.

I'm sure it is! I mean, not knowing if you are going to get a paid vacation or not.

I truly believe that government union workers live in an alternate time-space continuum from the rest of us.

[denydenydeny]

Exactly. Welcome to the real world, Mr. Federal Employee. There’s no law saying that you have to live in conditions that the rest of us can’t afford. At least not yet.