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

Official Announcement and Early Information

Russell Vought posted on social media that “RIFs have begun,” indicating the official process for letting employees go.

Although Vought provided no details on which agencies were impacted, a treasury spokesperson confirmed that notices had been issued within that agency. Additionally, a DHS spokesperson noted that layoffs would take place at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Also, a union for federal workers confirmed that members at the Education Department would be affected by the staff cuts.

Union Response and Court Actions

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

“It is disgraceful that the administration has exploited the government shutdown as an excuse to illegally fire numerous employees who provide essential functions to communities nationwide,” stated Everett Kelley, representing the American Federation of Government Employees.

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

Legislative Impasse and Funding Battle

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have declined to support a Republican-backed legislation to reopen the government unless it includes provisions related to health policy. After repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until the following week, meaning the standoff is unlikely to be resolved before then.

At a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, the speaker, criticized opposition lawmakers for not supporting the Republican proposal, which passed in the lower chamber on a near party-line vote.

Federal workers’ final pay that government employees will see until opposition leaders decide to do their job and reopen the government,” the speaker stated. Beginning shortly, American service members, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Legal and Operational Constraints

Last week, unions sought a court injunction to block the government from implementing any layoffs during the shutdown. Moreover, a federal judge ordered the government to disclose details on termination strategies, impacted departments, and if any federal employees had been brought back to execute staff reductions.

An analysis contended that a funding lapse limits the ability of the administration to conduct terminations, referencing guidance that acknowledged any long-term staff cuts need to have been started before the shutdown began.

Impact on Workers

These terminations took place on the same day that federal workers received only a incomplete payment covering the final days of September but excluding the start of October, since appropriations lapsed at the start of the period.

A public service advocate, the president of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, condemned the gridlock’s impact on federal employees.

This is unjust to make government staff suffer because our leaders in the legislature and the White House have not succeeded to keep our government running,” Stier said. “Our air traffic controllers, VA nurses, smoke jumpers and safety officials are not responsible for this government shutdown.”

The irony is that lawmakers and top administration officials are still receiving salaries amid the funding gap.