[WOBBLY BOB]

My understanding is that most of their union contracts(ACSME,MAPE, etc) guarantee back pay PLUS they get unemployment when the time comes to apply.
IOW, sounds like a paid vacation .

[NRG1973]

My understanding is that most of their union contracts(ACSME,MAPE, etc) guarantee back pay PLUS they get unemployment when the time comes to apply. IOW, sounds like a paid vacation.

Not true!!! An article that I read indicates the unions agreed to be "laid off" during this shutdown. So they gave up their "right" to back pay. The governor and legislature may choose to give them back pay...but aren't required to do so.

Also, unemployment income is maxed out at about $25,000 per year. Most of the state employeees are earning significantly more than that. So the state employees will be hurting more as the shutdown lingers.