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Administration officials disclosed the start of federal worker terminations on Friday, making good on earlier warnings linked to the continuing US government shutdown, which is now poised to stretch into its third straight week.

Formal Statement and Early Information

Russell Vought wrote on social media that “RIFs have begun,” indicating the official procedure 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 department. Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security representative indicated that staff reductions would take place at the CISA. Also, a labor organization representing federal workers confirmed that employees at the Department of Education would be impacted by the reduction in force.

Union Response and Legal Challenges

Labor representatives warned that the terminations would have “severe consequences” on services used by millions of Americans and pledged to challenge the moves in the legal system.

“It is disgraceful that the government has used 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 news, declaring, “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 healthcare-centered concessions. After repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until the following week, meaning the standoff is not expected to be resolved soon.

During a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, Mike Johnson, blasted opposition lawmakers for rejecting the Republican proposal, which was approved in the House on a near party-line vote.

“This is the last paycheck that government employees will see until opposition leaders decide to do their job and end the shutdown,” Johnson said. Beginning shortly, military personnel, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Previously, labor groups filed for a temporary restraining order to prevent the government from implementing any reductions in force during the funding gap. Additionally, a court official directed the administration to provide specifics on termination strategies, affected agencies, and if any federal employees had been recalled to carry out staff reductions.

A report argued that a government shutdown restricts the ability of the government to conduct terminations, citing official advice that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been initiated before the shutdown began.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs occurred on the very day that government employees got only a partial paycheck for the final days of September but excluding the start of the current month, since funding expired at the start of the month.

A public service advocate, the head of the advocacy group, condemned the political stalemate’s effect on government workers.

“It is wrong to make federal employees suffer because our elected officials in the legislature and the administration have not succeeded to keep our government running,” the advocate stated. The air traffic controllers, veterans’ healthcare providers, wildland firefighters and safety officials are not responsible for this funding crisis.”

A notable point is that lawmakers and top administration officials are continuing to be paid amid the shutdown.