🔗 Share this article

Administration officials disclosed the start of federal worker layoffs on the end of the week, following through on earlier warnings linked to the ongoing US government shutdown, which is now poised to stretch into its third straight week.

Official Announcement and Early Information

Russell Vought posted on a public platform that “RIFs have begun,” indicating the official process for terminating staff.

While the official provided no details on which departments were affected, a representative from the Treasury Department confirmed that notices had been distributed within that department. Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security representative noted that staff reductions would take place at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Also, a labor organization representing federal workers confirmed that members at the Department of Education would be impacted by the staff cuts.

Labor Reaction and Court Actions

Labor representatives cautions that the layoffs would have “devastating effects” on public services relied upon by the public and vowed to challenge the moves in the legal system.

This is shameful that the administration has exploited the funding lapse as an pretext to wrongfully terminate numerous employees who deliver essential functions to communities nationwide,” stated a national union president, who leads the AFGE.

The largest labor federation in the US reacted to the news, saying, “America’s unions will see you in court.”

Political Standoff and Funding Battle

Congressional Democrats have refused to vote for a Republican-backed legislation to restore funding unless it includes healthcare-centered concessions. After repeated failed attempts, the Senate’s Republican leaders have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, indicating the deadlock is unlikely to be ended before then.

At a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, Mike Johnson, blasted opposition lawmakers for not supporting the Republican bill, which was approved in the House on a largely partisan basis.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until opposition leaders decide to do their job and end the shutdown,” the speaker said. Beginning shortly, military personnel, many of whom live on tight budgets, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Previously, labor groups filed for a court injunction to prevent the government from carrying out any layoffs during the funding gap. Additionally, a court official ordered the government to disclose details on layoff plans, affected agencies, and if any federal employees had been brought back to carry out layoffs.

A report contended that a government shutdown limits the ability of the government to conduct terminations, referencing guidance that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been initiated before the funding expired.

Impact on Workers

These terminations took place on the very day that federal workers got only a partial paycheck covering the end of September but not the beginning of the current month, since appropriations lapsed at the start of the period.

Max Stier, the head of the advocacy group, condemned the gridlock’s impact on government workers.

“It is wrong to make government staff bear the burden because our leaders in Congress and the White House have failed to keep our federal operations open and operational,” the advocate said. “Our flight regulators, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not responsible for this funding crisis.”

A notable point is that members of Congress and top administration officials are still receiving salaries amid the funding gap.