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

Official Announcement and Early Information

Russell Vought posted on social media that “reductions in force have begun,” indicating the official procedure for terminating staff.

Although the official did not specify which departments were impacted, a treasury spokesperson confirmed that notices had been distributed within that department. Additionally, a DHS spokesperson indicated that layoffs would also occur at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Also, a union for federal workers announced that members at the Department of Education would be impacted by the staff cuts.

Labor Reaction and Court Actions

Labor representatives warned that the layoffs would have “devastating effects” on services used by millions of Americans and vowed to challenge the actions in court.

This is shameful that the government has used the funding lapse as an pretext to illegally fire numerous employees who provide critical services to communities across the country,” stated a national union president, representing the AFGE.

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

Legislative Impasse and Budget Dispute

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to vote for a Republican-backed legislation to reopen the government unless it includes provisions related to health policy. After multiple unsuccessful votes, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, meaning the standoff is unlikely to be ended before then.

During a press conference, the Republican House speaker, Mike Johnson, blasted Senate Democrats for rejecting the Republican proposal, which was approved in the House on a near party-line vote.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until opposition leaders decide to fulfill their duties and reopen the government,” the speaker stated. “Starting next week, American service members, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Legal and Operational Constraints

Last week, labor groups filed for a temporary restraining order to prevent the administration from carrying out any reductions in force during the shutdown. Additionally, a court official ordered the administration to disclose details on layoff plans, impacted departments, and whether any government staff had been brought back to carry out staff reductions.

A report argued that a funding lapse limits the authority of the government to carry out firings, citing guidance that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been started before the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs occurred on the same day that government employees got only a partial paycheck for the end of the previous month but excluding the beginning of October, since funding expired at the start of the month.

A public service advocate, the head of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, condemned the gridlock’s effect on government workers.

“It is wrong to make government staff bear the burden because our leaders in Congress and the administration have not succeeded to keep our federal operations open and operational,” Stier stated. “Our air traffic controllers, 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 still receiving salaries during the funding gap.