On Saturday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to guarantee furloughed federal employees back pay 407-0. So, if federal employees are going to be paid eventually, why not allow them to come back and do their jobs? Otherwise, it's not a furlough, it's a lockout with a paid vacation.
I work for a contractor and am lucky enough to not be furloughed, yet. But if this nonsense continues, I don't have the same safety net. No one has guaranteed me back pay.
Locking out federal employees with paid vacation without having to use leave time does nothing to quell any animosity between the public and private sectors. If they're going to be paid eventually, then let them work to earn it.
Bettye Campbell, Parkville