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Administration officials disclosed the start of government employee terminations on the end of the week, following through on earlier warnings in response to the ongoing US government shutdown, which is set to extend into its third consecutive week.

Formal Statement and Early Information

The director of the White House budget office wrote on a public platform that “RIFs have begun,” indicating the government’s process for terminating staff.

Although the official provided no details on which agencies were affected, a representative from the Treasury Department confirmed that notices had been issued within that agency. Additionally, a DHS spokesperson noted that staff reductions would take place at the CISA. Moreover, a union for federal workers confirmed that employees at the Education Department would be impacted by the staff cuts.

Labor Reaction and Legal Challenges

Union leaders cautions that the layoffs would have “devastating effects” on services used by the public and vowed to challenge the moves in the legal system.

“It is disgraceful that the administration has used the government shutdown as an excuse to illegally fire thousands of workers who deliver essential functions to the public nationwide,” said a national union president, who leads the American Federation of Government Employees.

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

Legislative Impasse and Budget Dispute

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to vote for a GOP-supported legislation to reopen the government unless it contains provisions related to health policy. Following repeated failed attempts, the Senate’s Republican leaders have adjourned the Senate until the following week, indicating the deadlock is not expected to be ended soon.

During a press conference, the Republican House speaker, Mike Johnson, blasted opposition lawmakers for not supporting the Republican proposal, which was approved in the House on a largely partisan basis.

Federal workers’ final pay that 700,000 federal workers will see until Washington Democrats decide to fulfill their duties and reopen the government,” the speaker stated. “Starting next week, American service members, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Previously, unions sought a temporary restraining order to block the administration from implementing any layoffs during the shutdown. Additionally, a court official directed the government to disclose details on layoff plans, impacted departments, and whether any federal employees had been brought back to carry out layoffs.

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

Consequences for Employees

These terminations occurred on the very day that federal workers received only a incomplete payment covering the end of the previous month but not the start of the current month, since funding lapsed at the beginning of the period.

A public service advocate, the head of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, criticized the gridlock’s impact on federal employees.

This is unjust to make government staff suffer because our leaders in Congress and the administration have failed to keep our federal operations open and operational,” the advocate stated. “Our air traffic controllers, VA nurses, smoke jumpers and food inspectors are not responsible for this funding crisis.”

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