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The White House disclosed the start of federal worker layoffs on Friday, making good on earlier warnings in response to the ongoing federal funding lapse, which is now poised to stretch into its third consecutive week.

Formal Statement and Early Information

Russell Vought wrote on social media that “reductions in force have begun,” referring to the official procedure for letting employees go.

While Vought provided no details on which agencies were impacted, a representative from the Treasury Department stated that layoff warnings had been distributed within that agency. Furthermore, a DHS representative indicated that layoffs would take place at the CISA. Also, a union for federal workers confirmed that members at the Department of Education would be affected by the reduction in force.

Union Response and Court Actions

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

This is shameful that the administration has exploited the funding lapse as an excuse to illegally fire numerous employees who deliver essential functions to communities nationwide,” said a national union president, representing the AFGE.

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

Legislative Impasse and Funding Battle

Congressional Democrats have refused to support a Republican-backed bill to reopen the government unless it includes provisions related to health policy. After repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until the following week, 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 proposal, which was approved in the House 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 end the shutdown,” Johnson said. Beginning shortly, American service members, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Legal and Operational Constraints

Last week, labor groups sought a court injunction to prevent the administration from implementing any layoffs during the shutdown. Additionally, a federal judge directed the government to provide specifics on layoff plans, affected agencies, and whether any government staff had been recalled to execute layoffs.

An analysis contended that a funding lapse limits the authority of the government to carry out firings, citing guidance that acknowledged any long-term staff cuts need to have been initiated prior to the shutdown began.

Impact on Workers

These terminations occurred on the very day that federal workers received only a partial paycheck covering the end of the previous month but not the start of October, since funding expired at the beginning of the month.

A public service advocate, the president of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, condemned the gridlock’s impact on government workers.

“It is wrong to make government staff suffer because our leaders in Congress and the administration have not succeeded to keep our government open and operational,” Stier stated. “Our flight regulators, veterans’ healthcare providers, smoke jumpers and safety officials are not at fault for this funding crisis.”

A notable point is that lawmakers and top administration officials are continuing to be paid during the funding gap.