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Administration officials confirmed the initiation of federal worker terminations on the end of the week, making good on earlier warnings in response to the ongoing US government shutdown, which is set to extend into its third consecutive week.

Official Announcement and Early Information

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

Although the official provided no details on which departments were affected, a treasury spokesperson stated that notices had been issued within that department. Additionally, a DHS representative noted that staff reductions would also occur at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Moreover, a labor organization representing federal workers confirmed that members at the Department of Education would be impacted by the staff cuts.

Union Response and Court Actions

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

This is shameful that the government has used the funding lapse as an excuse to illegally fire thousands of workers who deliver essential functions to communities nationwide,” said Everett Kelley, representing the AFGE.

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

Political Standoff and Funding Battle

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to vote for a GOP-supported bill to restore funding unless it contains healthcare-centered concessions. Following repeated failed attempts, the Senate’s Republican leaders have put the chamber in recess until the following week, meaning the standoff is unlikely to be ended before then.

During a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, the speaker, blasted opposition lawmakers for not supporting the GOP proposal, which was approved in the lower chamber on a largely partisan basis.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until opposition leaders decide to do their job and end the shutdown,” the speaker said. Beginning shortly, military personnel, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, unions sought a temporary restraining order to prevent the government from carrying out any layoffs during the funding gap. Additionally, a court official directed the administration to provide specifics on layoff plans, affected agencies, and if any government staff had been recalled to carry out staff reductions.

An analysis contended that a funding lapse limits the authority of the administration to carry out firings, referencing guidance that acknowledged any permanent layoffs need to have been initiated prior to the funding expired.

Impact on Workers

These terminations occurred on the same day that federal workers received only a incomplete payment for the final days of September but not the beginning of October, since appropriations lapsed at the beginning of the month.

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

“It is wrong to make government staff suffer because our leaders in the legislature and the administration have failed to keep our government open and operational,” the advocate stated. The air traffic controllers, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and food inspectors are not responsible for this funding crisis.”

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