Mass Layoffs Amid Government Shutdown
In a recent court filing, it was revealed that the Trump administration has laid off over 4,000 federal workers as the partial government shutdown continues.
These layoffs will impact employees across at least seven cabinet-level agencies. Documents filed in the Northern District of California indicate that federal employee unions are challenging the administration’s actions, arguing against the downsizing due to insufficient funding.
The largest reductions are being seen in the Department of Finance, which cut around 1,446 positions, and the Department of Health and Human Services, which laid off approximately 1,200 employees.
Other departments have also faced cuts. The Department of Education reported 466 layoffs, while the Department of Housing and Urban Development cut 442. The Department of Commerce saw 315 layoffs, and the Department of Energy reduced its workforce by 187. The Department of Homeland Security laid off 176 employees.
According to the Justice Department, some agencies are issuing general “intent to RIF” notices, hinting at possible future layoffs. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency has alerted around 20 to 30 employees about potential job losses.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has separately issued RIF notices to 126 employees, connected to the closure that started on October 1.
The Justice Department’s filing pointed out that more agencies might consider additional layoffs as funding issues persist. It mentioned that these evaluations are ongoing and not yet final.
The administration has contended that a temporary restraining order to prevent layoffs isn’t justified, citing that the RIF notices dictate a separation timeline of 30 to 60 days for employees. The Justice Department argued that the plaintiffs haven’t shown they would suffer irreparable harm, as any job losses might not occur for weeks or even months.
District Judge Susan Illston, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton, has scheduled a hearing for the upcoming Thursday to address the union’s request for a temporary restraining order.
This marks the 10th day of the government closure.
Earlier, White House Budget Director Russ Vought mentioned that the layoffs had commenced after Senate Democrats blocked another short-term funding bill aimed at reopening the government.
He stated, “RIF has started,” on social media.
Additionally, reports have indicated that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, plans to lay off up to 2,540 employees while furloughing about 65% of its workforce.
