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The White House disclosed the start of federal worker terminations on Friday, following through on earlier warnings linked to the ongoing US government shutdown, which is now poised to stretch into its third straight week.

Formal Statement and Initial Details

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

While the official provided no details on which departments were impacted, a treasury spokesperson stated that layoff warnings had been issued within that department. Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security representative indicated that layoffs would also occur at the CISA. Also, a labor organization for federal workers confirmed that members at the Department of Education would be affected by the reduction in force.

Labor Reaction and Court Actions

Union leaders warned that the layoffs would have “severe consequences” on services relied upon by millions of Americans and pledged to challenge the moves in court.

This is shameful that the government has exploited the government shutdown as an pretext to illegally fire numerous employees who provide critical services to communities nationwide,” said Everett Kelley, who leads the AFGE.

The AFL-CIO responded to the announcement, saying, “Labor organizations will see you in court.”

Political Standoff and Funding Battle

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to support a GOP-supported bill to restore funding unless it contains healthcare-centered concessions. After repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, meaning the standoff is not expected to be resolved before then.

During a media briefing, the Republican House speaker, the speaker, criticized Senate Democrats for rejecting the Republican proposal, 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 said. Beginning shortly, military personnel, who often live paycheck to paycheck, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Previously, unions sought a temporary restraining order to prevent the government from implementing any reductions in force during the funding gap. Moreover, a court official ordered the administration to disclose details on termination strategies, impacted departments, and if any federal employees had been brought back to execute staff reductions.

A report argued that a funding lapse restricts the ability of the administration to carry out firings, referencing guidance that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been started before the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

These terminations took place on the very day that government employees received only a partial paycheck covering the final days of the previous month but excluding the start of October, since appropriations lapsed at the start of the period.

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

This is unjust to make government staff suffer because our elected officials in Congress and the administration have failed to keep our federal operations running,” Stier said. “Our air traffic controllers, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not responsible for this government shutdown.”

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