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The White House disclosed the start of government employee terminations on Friday, following through on prior threats in response to the ongoing US government shutdown, which is set to stretch into its third consecutive week.

Formal Statement and Early Information

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

While Vought did not specify which departments were affected, a treasury spokesperson confirmed that notices had been issued within that department. Furthermore, a Department of Homeland Security representative noted that layoffs would also occur at the CISA. Moreover, a union representing federal workers confirmed that members at the Department of Education would be impacted by the staff cuts.

Labor Reaction and Legal Challenges

Union leaders warned that the terminations would have “devastating effects” on services relied upon by the public and pledged to challenge the moves in court.

“It is disgraceful that the administration has exploited the funding lapse as an pretext to wrongfully terminate numerous employees who provide critical services to communities nationwide,” said Everett Kelley, representing the American Federation of Government Employees.

The AFL-CIO responded to the announcement, saying, “America’s unions will see you in court.”

Political Standoff and Budget Dispute

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to vote for a GOP-supported bill to reopen the government unless it contains healthcare-centered concessions. Following repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until the following week, indicating the deadlock is not expected to be ended before then.

At a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, Mike Johnson, blasted Senate Democrats for not supporting the Republican proposal, which was approved in the House on a near party-line vote.

“This is the last paycheck that 700,000 federal workers will see until Washington Democrats decide to do their job and reopen the government,” Johnson stated. Beginning shortly, military personnel, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, labor groups sought a temporary restraining order to block the government from implementing any layoffs during the funding gap. Additionally, a court official directed the government to disclose details on termination strategies, affected agencies, and if any federal employees had been recalled to execute layoffs.

An analysis argued that a funding lapse limits the ability of the administration to carry out firings, citing official advice that admitted any permanent layoffs need to have been started prior to the funding expired.

Impact on Workers

The layoffs occurred on the same day that government employees received only a incomplete payment covering the end of September but excluding the beginning of October, since funding lapsed at the beginning of the period.

A public service advocate, the head of the advocacy group, criticized the gridlock’s impact on federal employees.

“It is wrong to make federal employees bear the burden because our elected officials in the legislature and the White House have not succeeded to keep our government open and operational,” Stier said. “Our air traffic controllers, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and safety officials are not at fault for this government shutdown.”

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