Honest question: I still don't understand how the "federal workers must work during furlough" thing doesn't violate the 13th Amendment. What's the story there?

It’s not that they literally must work. It’s that they can be fired for not showing up despite going without pay. Any private employer could also try this, although it’s questionable whether or how long people would put up with it. When the government is the employer, there’s some level of confidence that at least you’ll get paid in the future, whereas with a private employer once they stop paying on time they usually are going to continue to have trouble making payroll until they fold.

IIRC, at least in the private space, you are legally obligated to "regular" paychecks.

Military personnel have to work.

Just to amplify, military personnel can be court martialed and sent to prison if they refuse to show up -- paid or unpaid.

Military is an exception to all sorts of constitutional rights.

On what level are they forced to work?

They have the freedom to go find another job no?

On some level we are all 'forced' to work, as we all need money.

To be clear, I don't disagree with you, it just detracts from your point, that's all.

I'm not US so my question about being forced to work was genuine. My understanding was that they weren't 'forced'.

I have just had a (since deleted) reply that said they wont get paid back pay if they leave? If so that does change things. Is that the case?