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The White House disclosed the start of government employee layoffs on the end of the week, following through on prior threats in response to the continuing US government shutdown, which is now poised to extend into its third consecutive week.

Official Announcement and Early Information

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

While Vought did not specify which agencies were impacted, a representative from the Treasury Department confirmed that notices had been distributed within that department. Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson noted that staff reductions would also occur at the CISA. Also, a union representing federal workers confirmed that members at the Education Department would be affected by the reduction in force.

Labor Reaction and Legal Challenges

Labor representatives warned that the terminations would have “severe consequences” on public services relied upon by the public and vowed to challenge the moves in the legal system.

“It is disgraceful that the government has exploited the government shutdown as an excuse to illegally fire numerous employees who provide critical services to communities nationwide,” stated Everett Kelley, who leads the American Federation of Government Employees.

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

Legislative Impasse and Funding Battle

Congressional Democrats have refused to support a Republican-backed legislation to restore funding unless it includes provisions related to health policy. 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 soon.

During a press conference, the Republican House speaker, Mike Johnson, blasted Senate Democrats for not supporting the Republican bill, which passed in the House on a largely partisan basis.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until Washington Democrats decide to do their job and end the shutdown,” Johnson stated. “Starting next week, American service members, many of whom live on tight budgets, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Previously, labor groups filed for a court injunction to prevent the administration from carrying out any layoffs during the shutdown. Additionally, a court official ordered the administration to disclose details on layoff plans, affected agencies, and if any government staff had been brought back to execute staff reductions.

A report argued that a funding lapse restricts the authority of the government to conduct terminations, referencing guidance that acknowledged any permanent layoffs need to have been initiated prior to the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs took place on the very day that government employees received only a incomplete payment covering the final days of September but excluding the start of the current month, since appropriations expired at the start of the period.

A public service advocate, the president of the advocacy group, criticized the gridlock’s impact on government workers.

This is unjust to make federal employees bear the burden because our elected officials in the legislature and the administration have failed to keep our federal operations running,” the advocate stated. “Our 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 still receiving salaries amid the funding gap.