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The White House disclosed the start of federal worker layoffs on Friday, following through on prior threats in response to the continuing federal funding lapse, which is set to extend into its third consecutive week.

Formal Statement and Early Information

Russell Vought posted on a public platform that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the government’s process for letting employees go.

While Vought provided no details on which departments were affected, a representative from the Treasury Department confirmed that layoff warnings had been distributed within that agency. Furthermore, a DHS representative noted that layoffs would also occur at the CISA. Moreover, a labor organization for federal workers confirmed that employees at the Education Department would be affected by the reduction in force.

Union Response and Court Actions

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

“It is disgraceful that the government has exploited the funding lapse as an pretext to wrongfully terminate thousands of workers who provide critical services to communities across the country,” stated 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

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to support a GOP-supported bill to restore funding unless it includes provisions related to health policy. After repeated failed attempts, the Senate’s Republican leaders have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, meaning the standoff is unlikely to be resolved before then.

During a media briefing, the GOP leader in the House, the speaker, criticized opposition lawmakers for rejecting the GOP proposal, which was approved 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 reopen the government,” Johnson stated. Beginning shortly, American service members, many of whom live on tight budgets, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, unions filed for a court injunction to block the government from implementing any layoffs during the funding gap. Additionally, a court official directed the government to disclose details on layoff plans, impacted departments, and if any federal employees had been brought back to execute staff reductions.

A report argued that a government shutdown limits the ability of the administration to conduct terminations, citing official advice that acknowledged any long-term staff cuts need to have been initiated before the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs occurred on the same day that federal workers received only a incomplete payment covering the final days of the previous month but not the beginning of the current month, since appropriations expired at the beginning of the period.

A public service advocate, the head of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, condemned the political stalemate’s effect on government workers.

“It is wrong to make government staff bear the burden because our leaders in Congress and the administration have not succeeded to keep our federal operations open and operational,” the advocate said. The air traffic controllers, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not at fault for this funding crisis.”

A notable point is that members of Congress and top administration officials are still receiving salaries during the shutdown.