I worked at the VA as a pharmacist for 24 years. I was considered essential and did show up for work during past shutdowns. Oddly and legally I did not need to do this. I showed up and worked, it is all about taking care of our vets.
The non essential workers loved these shutdowns. They did not need to work and received all their back pay as did I. They lived off credit cards if they did not have sufficient savings. The credit union did great business in short term loans to these people.
That my friends is the dirty secret about these shutdowns. The non essential personnel love them.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
As a Veteran, I say, THANK YOU for all those you helped through the years. I just lost my doctor at our local VA. Loved her to the Moon and back, but it was time for her to take her well-earned retirement.
So far I’ve had great service through my VA; I hope that continues!
I worked through state and federal shut downs and I’ll back you up on the non-essentials loving their paid vacations. Not a ONE showed up to help out in any way, shape or form. :(
Why are they even employed? Use temps from privately owned agencies as needed and save a bundle.
They get to take an extended Christmas vacay. So big whoop.