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Administration officials disclosed the start of federal worker layoffs on the end of the week, following through on earlier warnings in response to the continuing federal funding lapse, which is set to extend into its third consecutive week.

Formal Statement and Early Information

The director of the White House budget office wrote on social media that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the government’s process for letting employees go.

While the official provided no details on which agencies were affected, a representative from the Treasury Department confirmed that notices had been issued within that department. Additionally, a DHS spokesperson noted that layoffs would also occur at the CISA. Moreover, a union for federal workers announced that employees at the Department of Education would be impacted by the reduction in force.

Union Response and Legal Challenges

Union leaders cautions that the layoffs would have “devastating effects” on public services used by millions of Americans and vowed to contest the moves in the legal system.

This is shameful that the administration has exploited the government shutdown as an excuse to illegally fire numerous employees who deliver critical services to the public nationwide,” stated Everett Kelley, who leads the American Federation of Government Employees.

The AFL-CIO responded to the announcement, saying, “Labor organizations will see you in court.”

Legislative Impasse and Budget Dispute

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have declined to vote for a GOP-supported legislation to restore funding unless it includes healthcare-centered concessions. After multiple unsuccessful votes, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, meaning the standoff is not expected to be ended before then.

During a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, the speaker, blasted opposition lawmakers for rejecting the GOP 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 fulfill their duties and end the shutdown,” the speaker said. Beginning shortly, American service members, who often live paycheck to paycheck, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, unions filed for a temporary restraining order to block the administration from implementing any reductions in force during the funding gap. Moreover, a federal judge directed the government to disclose details on termination strategies, affected agencies, and if any federal employees had been brought back to carry out staff reductions.

A report argued that a government shutdown restricts the ability of the government to carry out firings, citing official advice that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been started before the shutdown began.

Impact on Workers

These terminations occurred on the same day that federal workers received only a incomplete payment for the end of September but excluding the start of October, since funding lapsed at the beginning of the period.

Max Stier, the president of the advocacy group, criticized the political stalemate’s impact on federal employees.

“It is wrong to make federal employees suffer because our leaders in Congress and the administration have failed to keep our federal operations open and operational,” Stier said. The flight regulators, veterans’ healthcare providers, wildland firefighters and safety officials are not responsible for this government shutdown.”

The irony is that lawmakers and top administration officials are continuing to be paid during the shutdown.