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The White House confirmed the initiation of federal worker layoffs on the end of the week, following through on earlier warnings in response to the ongoing federal funding lapse, which is set to stretch into its third consecutive week.

Official Announcement and Early Information

Russell Vought wrote on social media that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the government’s process for terminating staff.

Although the official did not specify which departments were impacted, a treasury spokesperson stated that notices had been issued within that department. Additionally, a DHS spokesperson indicated that layoffs would also occur at the CISA. Also, a labor organization representing federal workers announced that members at the Education Department would be affected by the staff cuts.

Labor Reaction and Legal Challenges

Union leaders warned that the layoffs would have “devastating effects” on services used by the public and vowed to challenge the actions in court.

This is shameful that the administration has exploited the government shutdown as an pretext to illegally fire thousands of workers who provide critical services to the public across the country,” stated Everett Kelley, who leads the American Federation of Government Employees.

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

Political Standoff and Funding Battle

Congressional Democrats have refused to support a Republican-backed bill to reopen the government unless it contains provisions related to health policy. After multiple unsuccessful votes, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, indicating the deadlock is not expected to be resolved before then.

At a media briefing, the Republican House speaker, Mike Johnson, blasted opposition lawmakers for not supporting the Republican bill, which passed in the lower chamber on a near party-line vote.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until Washington Democrats decide to fulfill their duties and reopen the government,” Johnson said. Beginning shortly, military personnel, many of whom live on tight budgets, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, labor groups sought a temporary restraining order to prevent the government from carrying out any layoffs during the funding gap. Additionally, a federal judge ordered the administration to disclose details on layoff plans, impacted departments, and whether any government staff had been brought back to execute staff reductions.

An analysis argued that a government shutdown limits the authority of the government to conduct terminations, referencing official advice that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been started before the shutdown began.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs took place on the same day that federal workers received only a partial paycheck for the end of September but not the start of the current month, since funding lapsed at the start of the period.

Max Stier, the head of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, criticized the gridlock’s effect on federal employees.

This is unjust to make government staff suffer because our leaders in the legislature and the administration have not succeeded to keep our federal operations running,” the advocate stated. The flight regulators, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not responsible for this government shutdown.”

The irony is that lawmakers and senior White House leaders are continuing to be paid during the shutdown.