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Administration officials disclosed the start of federal worker terminations on the end of the week, making good on prior threats linked to the ongoing federal funding lapse, which is now poised to extend into its third straight week.

Formal Statement and Initial Details

Russell Vought wrote on social media that “RIFs have begun,” indicating the government’s procedure for letting employees go.

Although the official provided no details on which agencies were impacted, a representative from the Treasury Department confirmed that notices had been issued within that department. Additionally, a DHS representative noted that staff reductions would also occur at the CISA. Also, a union representing 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 “severe consequences” on services used by the public and pledged to challenge the moves in the legal system.

This is shameful that the government has used the funding lapse as an excuse to illegally fire thousands of workers who deliver critical services to the public across the country,” said a national union president, 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 Budget Dispute

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to support a Republican-backed bill to restore funding unless it contains 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 deadlock is unlikely to be resolved before then.

At a media briefing, the GOP leader in the House, Mike Johnson, criticized Senate Democrats for rejecting the Republican bill, which passed in the lower chamber on a near party-line vote.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until Washington Democrats decide to do their job and reopen the government,” the speaker said. Beginning shortly, American service members, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, labor groups sought a court injunction to prevent the administration from implementing any layoffs during the funding gap. Moreover, a federal judge directed the government to disclose details on termination strategies, affected agencies, and if any federal employees had been recalled to carry out layoffs.

An analysis argued that a funding lapse limits the ability of the administration to carry out firings, referencing guidance that acknowledged any permanent layoffs need to have been started prior to the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs occurred on the same day that federal workers got only a partial paycheck covering the final days of the previous month but not the start of October, since appropriations expired at the beginning of the period.

A public service advocate, the head of the advocacy group, criticized the political stalemate’s impact on government workers.

This is unjust to make federal employees suffer because our leaders in Congress and the administration have failed to keep our government open and operational,” the advocate stated. “Our air traffic controllers, veterans’ healthcare providers, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not at fault for this funding crisis.”

The irony is that lawmakers and top administration officials are continuing to be paid during the shutdown.