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The White House confirmed the start of federal worker layoffs on Friday, following through on prior threats in response to the ongoing US government shutdown, which is set to stretch into its third straight week.

Official Announcement and Early Information

Russell Vought wrote on a public platform that “RIFs have begun,” indicating the official process for letting employees go.

Although Vought did not specify which agencies were impacted, a treasury spokesperson stated that notices had been issued within that department. Furthermore, a DHS representative indicated that layoffs would take place at the CISA. Also, a labor organization representing federal workers announced that members at the Department of Education would be impacted by the reduction in force.

Labor Reaction and Court Actions

Union leaders warned that the terminations would have “severe consequences” on public services relied upon by millions of Americans and vowed to challenge the actions in court.

This is shameful that the administration has exploited the government shutdown as an pretext to wrongfully terminate thousands of workers who deliver essential functions to communities nationwide,” stated a national union president, who leads the AFGE.

The largest labor federation in the US reacted to the announcement, declaring, “America’s unions will see you in court.”

Legislative Impasse and Budget Dispute

Congressional Democrats have declined to support a GOP-supported bill to restore funding unless it includes healthcare-centered concessions. Following repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have put the chamber in recess until next Tuesday, meaning the standoff is not expected to be resolved before then.

At a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, the speaker, criticized Senate Democrats for rejecting the GOP bill, which was approved in the House on a largely partisan basis.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until opposition leaders decide to do their job and end the shutdown,” Johnson said. Beginning shortly, military personnel, many of whom live on tight budgets, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Previously, labor groups filed for a temporary restraining order to prevent the government from implementing any reductions in force during the shutdown. Moreover, a court official directed 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 contended that a funding lapse limits the ability of the administration to carry out firings, referencing official advice that admitted any permanent layoffs need to have been initiated before the funding expired.

Impact on Workers

These terminations took place on the same day that federal workers received only a incomplete payment for the end of September but not the beginning of October, since appropriations lapsed at the beginning of the period.

Max Stier, the president of the advocacy group, criticized the political stalemate’s effect on federal employees.

“It is wrong to make government staff bear the burden because our elected officials in the legislature and the administration have not succeeded to keep our government running,” Stier said. “Our flight regulators, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and safety officials are not responsible for this funding crisis.”

The irony is that members of Congress and top administration officials are still receiving salaries amid the funding gap.