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The White House disclosed the initiation of federal worker layoffs on the end of the week, following through on earlier warnings in response to the continuing US government shutdown, which is set to extend into its third straight week.

Official Announcement and Early Information

Russell Vought wrote on social media that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the official process for terminating staff.

Although the official provided no details on which agencies were impacted, a treasury spokesperson confirmed that notices had been issued within that department. Furthermore, a Department of Homeland Security representative noted that layoffs would take place at the CISA. Moreover, a union for federal workers confirmed that members at the Department of Education would be affected by the reduction in force.

Labor Reaction and Court Actions

Labor representatives warned that the layoffs would have “severe consequences” on public services used by millions of Americans and vowed to challenge the actions in the legal system.

This is shameful that the administration has exploited the funding lapse as an excuse to wrongfully terminate thousands of workers who deliver essential functions to communities nationwide,” stated a national union president, representing the American Federation of Government Employees.

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

Legislative Impasse and Funding Battle

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to support a GOP-supported bill to restore funding unless it contains healthcare-centered concessions. Following multiple unsuccessful votes, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, meaning the standoff is unlikely to be ended soon.

At a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, the speaker, criticized opposition lawmakers for not supporting the Republican bill, which passed in the House on a largely partisan basis.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until Washington Democrats decide to fulfill their duties and end the shutdown,” the speaker stated. Beginning shortly, military personnel, many of whom live on tight budgets, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Legal and Operational Constraints

Previously, labor groups sought a temporary restraining order to block the government from carrying out any reductions in force during the funding gap. Additionally, a court official ordered the administration to provide specifics on layoff plans, impacted departments, and whether any government staff had been brought back to execute staff reductions.

A report contended that a funding lapse restricts the ability of the administration to carry out firings, referencing official advice that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been initiated before the shutdown began.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs took place on the same day that federal workers got only a partial paycheck for the final days of September but excluding the start of October, since funding expired at the beginning of the month.

A public service advocate, the head of the advocacy group, criticized the gridlock’s impact on federal employees.

This is unjust to make federal employees suffer because our elected officials in Congress and the White House have failed to keep our federal operations running,” the advocate said. “Our flight regulators, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not responsible for this funding crisis.”

The irony is that lawmakers and senior White House leaders are still receiving salaries during the funding gap.