Shutdowns really suck if you’re employed by the federal government. Nothing makes you feel more powerless than either being told you’re not allowed to do your job because your employer can’t figure out its shit or you’re told you have to work, but you aren’t guaranteed your next scheduled paycheck until the shutdown ends, and in 2018-19, it was really unclear when it would end. And if you’re furloughed and get back-pay for not working, you’re viewed poorly by the public for getting paid not to work, even though it wasn’t your fault. I could definitely see Democrats being blamed for all the bad things resulting from a shutdown, even though it’s provisions in the GOP bill that are ultimately causing it to happen. Holding federal employees’ paychecks and government services to the public hostage is absolutely the shittiest way to conduct political business.
I’m a federal employee. Being furloughed for awhile scares me less than what DOGE is doing. Every coworker I’ve discussed it with (and it’s frequently discussed at my office) feels the same way.
Shutdowns really suck if you’re employed by the federal government. Nothing makes you feel more powerless than either being told you’re not allowed to do your job because your employer can’t figure out its shit or you’re told you have to work, but you aren’t guaranteed your next scheduled paycheck until the shutdown ends, and in 2018-19, it was really unclear when it would end. And if you’re furloughed and get back-pay for not working, you’re viewed poorly by the public for getting paid not to work, even though it wasn’t your fault. I could definitely see Democrats being blamed for all the bad things resulting from a shutdown, even though it’s provisions in the GOP bill that are ultimately causing it to happen. Holding federal employees’ paychecks and government services to the public hostage is absolutely the shittiest way to conduct political business.
I’m a federal employee. Being furloughed for awhile scares me less than what DOGE is doing. Every coworker I’ve discussed it with (and it’s frequently discussed at my office) feels the same way.
I’m all for whatever maximizes the pain for DOGE. What would that be? A 40-day shutdown showdown that results in a better spending bill?
DOGE is not a government agency and would presumably continue working regardless of shutdown. They could continue to operate under Musks funding.
Also I read that being out of work for more than 30 days makes it easier to lay off federal workers.