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The White House confirmed the start of federal worker terminations on the end of the week, following through on prior threats linked to the ongoing US government shutdown, which is now poised to extend into its third consecutive week.

Official Announcement and Early Information

Russell Vought posted on social media that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the government’s procedure for letting employees go.

While the official did not specify which agencies were impacted, a treasury spokesperson confirmed that notices had been issued within that agency. Additionally, a DHS representative indicated that staff reductions would also occur at the CISA. Also, a labor organization for federal workers confirmed that employees at the Education Department would be impacted 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 pledged to contest the actions in the legal system.

“It is disgraceful that the government has used the funding lapse as an excuse to illegally fire thousands of workers who provide essential functions to communities nationwide,” said a national union president, representing the American Federation of Government Employees.

The largest labor federation in the US responded to the announcement, saying, “Labor organizations will see you in court.”

Political Standoff and Budget Dispute

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to vote for a Republican-backed bill to restore funding unless it includes healthcare-centered concessions. After repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, indicating the standoff is unlikely to be ended soon.

At a media briefing, the GOP leader in the House, Mike Johnson, blasted opposition lawmakers for rejecting the GOP bill, which was approved in the House on a near party-line vote.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until Washington Democrats decide to do their job and end the shutdown,” Johnson said. “Starting next week, American service members, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Legal and Operational Constraints

Previously, unions filed for a court injunction to prevent the administration from implementing any layoffs during the funding gap. Additionally, a federal judge ordered the government to disclose details on layoff plans, impacted departments, and if any government staff had been brought back to execute staff reductions.

A report argued that a government shutdown restricts the authority of the government to conduct terminations, referencing guidance that admitted any permanent layoffs need to have been initiated before the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

These terminations took place on the same day that government employees received only a partial paycheck for the final days of the previous month but not the beginning of the current month, since funding expired at the start of the period.

Max Stier, the president of the advocacy group, condemned the gridlock’s effect on government workers.

This is unjust to make federal employees bear the burden because our leaders in Congress and the White House have not succeeded to keep our government running,” Stier stated. “Our air traffic controllers, VA nurses, smoke jumpers and safety officials are not responsible for this funding crisis.”

A notable point is that members of Congress and senior White House leaders are continuing to be paid amid the shutdown.