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Administration officials disclosed the start of federal worker layoffs on Friday, making good on earlier warnings in response to the ongoing federal funding lapse, which is set to stretch into its third straight week.

Official Announcement and Early Information

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

Although the official provided no details on which departments were affected, a treasury spokesperson stated that layoff warnings had been issued within that department. Additionally, a DHS representative indicated that staff reductions would take place at the CISA. Also, a union for federal workers confirmed that employees at the Department of Education would be affected by the reduction in force.

Labor Reaction and Court Actions

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

This is shameful that the administration has exploited the funding lapse as an excuse to wrongfully terminate numerous employees who provide critical services to the public nationwide,” said 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 Funding Battle

Congressional Democrats have declined to support a GOP-supported bill to reopen the government unless it contains healthcare-centered concessions. Following repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have put the chamber in recess until next Tuesday, meaning the deadlock is not expected to be ended before then.

During a media briefing, the Republican House speaker, Mike Johnson, criticized Senate Democrats for rejecting the GOP bill, which passed in the House on a largely partisan basis.

Federal workers’ final pay that government employees will see until Washington Democrats decide to fulfill their duties and end the shutdown,” Johnson stated. Beginning shortly, American service members, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Legal and Operational Constraints

Previously, unions filed for a temporary restraining order to block the administration from carrying out any reductions in force during the funding gap. Additionally, a federal judge directed the government to provide specifics on termination strategies, impacted departments, and if any government staff had been brought back to carry out layoffs.

An analysis argued that a funding lapse limits the ability of the government to conduct terminations, referencing official advice that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been initiated before the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs took place on the same day that federal workers received only a incomplete payment for the final days of September but excluding the start of October, since funding expired at the start of the period.

A public service advocate, the head of the advocacy group, condemned the political stalemate’s effect on federal employees.

“It is wrong to make federal employees bear the burden because our leaders in Congress and the administration have not succeeded to keep our government running,” Stier stated. The air traffic controllers, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not at fault for this funding crisis.”

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