The federal government began implementing significant layoffs on Friday as part of a mass reduction in force linked to the ongoing government shutdown. This move has raised concerns among federal employees and unions, highlighting the potential impact on various sectors.
Several key agencies are experiencing job reductions as part of this initiative. The breakdown of layoffs includes:
Department of Education: 446 employees Department of Housing and Urban Development: 442 employees Department of Commerce: 315 employees Department of Energy: 187 employees Environmental Protection Agency: 20-30 employeesIn response to the layoffs, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and other federal unions have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) lacks the authority to carry out these layoffs. They reference the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits the federal government from incurring new expenses during a shutdown. The layoffs necessitate staff involvement in the process, including issuing notices to impacted employees and managing the logistics of severance payments.
According to a report from the Washington Post, the layoffs will not take effect for another 30 to 60 days. However, there are indications that additional layoffs may follow the initial round, as an unnamed senior administration official suggested to the publication that more cuts are on the horizon.
The federal government has been in a shutdown since October 1, following Congress's failure to agree on a new spending plan. Current expectations indicate that the shutdown may continue at least until Tuesday, when the Senate is set to hold its next vote. Unfortunately, there are no indications that negotiations between Republicans and Democrats are progressing towards a resolution.
In the lead-up to the shutdown, the Trump administration urged federal agencies to assess which areas would face funding lapses, cautioning that those not aligned with President Donald Trump's priorities could face significant budget cuts. On Friday, Trump stated that his administration was using the shutdown as an opportunity to lay off "people that the Democrats want," attributing blame for the shutdown to the opposing party.
For more information on this topic, you can read the following articles:
Trump Begins Threatened Mass Layoffs During Shutdown Government Shutdown Day 10: Betting Odds Predict It Lasts 28 Days, But Consumers Aren’t Worried Yet