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The White House disclosed the initiation of federal worker layoffs on Friday, making good on earlier warnings in response to the continuing US government shutdown, which is set to stretch into its third straight week.

Official Announcement and Initial Details

Russell Vought posted on social media that “reductions in force have begun,” referring to the government’s process for letting employees go.

Although Vought provided no details on which departments were impacted, a treasury spokesperson confirmed that notices had been issued within that agency. Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security representative noted that layoffs would take place at the CISA. Also, a labor organization for federal workers confirmed that members at the Department of Education would be impacted by the reduction in force.

Labor Reaction and Legal Challenges

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

This is shameful that the administration has used the funding lapse as an excuse to illegally fire thousands of workers who deliver critical services to the public nationwide,” said a national union president, representing the AFGE.

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

Legislative Impasse and Budget Dispute

Congressional Democrats have refused to vote for a GOP-supported legislation 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 the following week, indicating the standoff is not expected to be ended soon.

At a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, the speaker, blasted Senate Democrats for rejecting the GOP bill, which passed in the House on a near party-line vote.

Federal workers’ final pay that government employees will see until opposition leaders decide to do their job and end the shutdown,” the speaker said. Beginning shortly, American service members, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, labor groups sought a court injunction to block the government from implementing any reductions in force during the shutdown. Moreover, a federal judge directed the government to disclose details on termination strategies, affected agencies, and if any government staff had been recalled to carry out layoffs.

An analysis argued that a funding lapse limits the authority of the administration to conduct terminations, referencing guidance that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been started before the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs occurred on the very day that federal workers received only a partial paycheck covering the end of the previous month but excluding the beginning of October, since appropriations expired at the start of the period.

Max Stier, the president of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, criticized the gridlock’s impact on federal employees.

This is unjust to make government staff bear the burden because our leaders in Congress and the White House have failed to keep our federal operations running,” Stier stated. The air traffic controllers, veterans’ healthcare providers, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not responsible for this government shutdown.”

The irony is that members of Congress and top administration officials are still receiving salaries amid the shutdown.