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The White House confirmed the start of federal worker layoffs on Friday, making good on prior threats linked to the continuing US government shutdown, which is now poised to extend into its third consecutive week.

Official Announcement and Initial Details

Russell Vought posted on a public platform that “reductions in force have begun,” referring to the government’s procedure for terminating staff.

Although Vought provided no details on which departments were impacted, a representative from the Treasury Department confirmed that notices had been distributed within that agency. Additionally, a DHS representative indicated that layoffs would also occur at the CISA. Moreover, a union for federal workers announced that employees at the Education Department would be affected by the reduction in force.

Labor Reaction and Legal Challenges

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

This is shameful that the administration has used the government shutdown as an excuse to wrongfully terminate numerous employees who provide essential functions to communities across the country,” stated Everett Kelley, representing the American Federation of Government Employees.

The AFL-CIO reacted to the news, saying, “America’s unions will see you in court.”

Political Standoff and Funding Battle

Congressional Democrats have declined to support a Republican-backed bill to restore funding unless it includes provisions related to health policy. After multiple unsuccessful votes, the Senate’s Republican leaders have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, indicating the standoff is not expected to be resolved soon.

At a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, Mike Johnson, criticized opposition lawmakers for rejecting the Republican proposal, which passed in the lower chamber on a near party-line vote.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until opposition leaders decide to do their job and reopen the government,” Johnson stated. Beginning shortly, military personnel, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, labor groups sought a temporary restraining order to block the administration from carrying out any layoffs during the funding gap. Additionally, a federal judge directed the government to disclose details on layoff plans, impacted departments, and whether any federal employees had been recalled to carry out layoffs.

A report contended that a government shutdown restricts the authority of the administration to carry out firings, citing guidance that admitted any permanent layoffs need to have been initiated prior to the shutdown began.

Impact on Workers

The layoffs occurred on the same day that government employees got only a incomplete payment for the final days of September but excluding the start of October, since appropriations lapsed at the beginning of the period.

A public service advocate, the president of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, 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 not succeeded to keep our federal operations running,” Stier stated. “Our air traffic controllers, veterans’ healthcare providers, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not responsible for this government shutdown.”

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