With the unfathomable uncertainty that government employees have faced this year, who can really say what will happen in regards to back pay, RIFs, etc. illegal lines have already been crossed, and I imagine there will be years and years of lawsuits. Personally I still have a sliver of hope that our laws will be upheld one way or another (either by the admin realizing they need to follow the law, or by force of the courts) – despite much evidence to the contrary.

I hope this is just another empty threat they don’t follow through on, even though the memo alone has undoubtedly caused more stress to the government employees. If they try to actually withhold back pay and the courts stop them, then it will at least help give credit to the courts upholding the law. And if the courts allow this to happen… Well, I keep hearing how we are living in unprecedented times, so I also wouldn’t be too surprised at this point.