They are forced to take vacation, sick leave or leave without pay.

Some contracting companies will say you cannot use sick pay, just leave without pay period or vacation. Once vacation gone, leave without pay.

For me, I am independent contractor several levels remove from the prime. I am already toast for next week. If no shutdown, then Govies will submit task orders on Monday to prime, but by the time subcontracts can clear to my level, it is a week minimum and planning for longer than that (i.e. two weeks).

If they do a two week CR, no one will bother to move on paperwork for me two work two weeks because it is waste of money.

I am planning on minimum two weeks no matter what Congress does.