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

Formal Statement and Early Information

The director of the White House budget office posted on a public platform that “reductions in force have begun,” referring to the government’s process for terminating staff.

While Vought did not specify which departments were affected, a representative from the Treasury Department stated that notices had been distributed within that department. Furthermore, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson noted that layoffs would also occur at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Moreover, a union representing federal workers confirmed that employees at the Education Department would be impacted by the staff cuts.

Labor Reaction and Court Actions

Union leaders cautions that the layoffs would have “devastating effects” on public services used by the public and vowed to contest the moves in court.

This is shameful that the government has exploited the funding lapse as an excuse to wrongfully terminate thousands of workers who deliver critical services to communities nationwide,” stated Everett Kelley, representing the American Federation of Government Employees.

The largest labor federation in the US reacted to the announcement, saying, “Labor organizations will see you in court.”

Legislative Impasse and Funding Battle

Congressional Democrats have refused to vote for a Republican-backed 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 opposition lawmakers for not supporting the Republican bill, which was approved in the lower chamber on a largely partisan basis.

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

Legal and Operational Constraints

Previously, labor groups sought a court injunction to block the government from implementing any layoffs during the funding gap. Additionally, a court official directed the government to provide specifics on termination strategies, impacted departments, and if any federal employees had been recalled to carry out layoffs.

A report contended that a funding lapse restricts the authority of the government to conduct terminations, referencing guidance that admitted any permanent layoffs need to have been started before the shutdown began.

Impact on Workers

The layoffs occurred on the same day that government employees received only a partial paycheck for the final days of the previous month but excluding the start of the current month, since appropriations lapsed at the start of the month.

Max Stier, the head of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, criticized the political stalemate’s impact on government workers.

This is unjust to make federal employees bear the burden because our elected officials in Congress and the administration have failed to keep our government open and operational,” Stier said. “Our air traffic controllers, veterans’ healthcare providers, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not at fault for this government shutdown.”

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