🔗 Share this article

The White House confirmed the start of federal worker terminations on the end of the week, following through on prior threats linked to the ongoing US government shutdown, which is set to extend into its third consecutive week.

Formal Statement and Early Information

Russell Vought posted on a public platform that “reductions in force have begun,” indicating the government’s procedure for terminating staff.

Although Vought did not specify which departments were affected, a treasury spokesperson confirmed that notices had been distributed within that agency. Additionally, a DHS spokesperson indicated that staff reductions would also occur at the CISA. Also, a labor organization for federal workers confirmed that members at the Education Department would be impacted by the staff cuts.

Labor Reaction and Court Actions

Labor representatives warned that the layoffs would have “devastating effects” on public services relied upon by the public and vowed to contest the moves in court.

This is shameful that the government has used the funding lapse as an excuse to wrongfully terminate numerous employees who provide essential functions to the public nationwide,” stated a national union president, representing the AFGE.

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

Political Standoff and Funding Battle

Congressional Democrats have declined to support a Republican-backed bill to restore funding unless it includes provisions related to health policy. After multiple unsuccessful votes, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, meaning the standoff is not expected to be ended before then.

During a press conference, the Republican House speaker, the speaker, blasted Senate Democrats for not supporting the Republican bill, which was approved in the House on a near party-line vote.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until opposition leaders decide to do their job and end the shutdown,” the speaker stated. Beginning shortly, military personnel, who often live paycheck to paycheck, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, unions sought a temporary restraining order to prevent the administration from implementing any reductions in force during the shutdown. Additionally, a court official ordered the government to disclose details on termination strategies, affected agencies, and whether any federal employees had been brought back to execute staff reductions.

A report contended that a funding lapse limits the authority of the administration to conduct terminations, referencing official advice that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been started prior to the funding expired.

Impact on Workers

The layoffs took place on the very day that federal workers received only a partial paycheck for the final days of September but excluding the start of the current month, since appropriations lapsed at the beginning of the month.

Max Stier, the head of the advocacy group, condemned the gridlock’s effect on federal employees.

“It is wrong to make federal employees suffer because our elected officials in Congress and the administration have not succeeded to keep our government open and operational,” the advocate said. “Our flight regulators, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not at fault for this funding crisis.”

A notable point is that members of Congress and senior White House leaders are still receiving salaries during the funding gap.