I have heard rumors that after the budget problem is eventually settled, the furloughed workers will receive compensation (back pay). I don’t know if that’s true. If it is true, then it’s basically an unexpected paid vacation. Sweet for them, huh?
During the 1995-1996 government shutdown, Congress retroactively paid all federal employees. In 2011 the Dems were already pushing for the same type of deal if there would be a shutdown.