Overview: Substantial layoffs underway during the shutdown
The White House, via the Office of Management and Budget, has announced that reduction-in-force (RIF) actions against federal workers have begun, signaling a major step in the administration’s strategy to shrink the federal workforce during the ongoing shutdown. The announcement, first shared by OMB Director Russell Vought on X, stated simply that, “The RIFs have begun.” NPR confirmed that the RIF process is indeed underway, describing it as substantial but not providing figures on how many employees are affected.
At least one federal agency has corroborated that RIF notices are being issued. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services said that employees across multiple divisions have received notices, with those affected designated as non-essential by their divisions. The spokesman attributed the move to the shutdown and criticized the Biden administration for creating a “bloated bureaucracy.”
Observers note that HHS has already shed a substantial number of workers in recent years through a mix of prior RIFs, voluntary resignations, and retirements. The department’s current round of reductions appears to be part of a broader effort to cut government headcount and budgetary outlays amid the funding lapse.
What a RIF entails and what is publicly known
A reduction-in-force is a process where agencies reduce their workforce for economic or programmatic reasons. In federal practice, RIFs come with specific legal requirements, including a minimum notice period and formal notices to affected employees. Federal law typically requires at least 60 days’ notice of a RIF end date, or 30 days if a waiver is granted by the Office of Personnel Management. Unions or Congress may also need to be notified, and notices must outline the reasons for the layoff and the effective date.
Several unions have already challenged the administration’s approach to the shutdown, arguing that threats to remove staff from essential services are unlawful or inconsistent with long-standing practice. Critics warn of disruptions that could affect a wide range of programs, from health care to national security, though proponents contend that downsizing is necessary to reflect reduced funding and a redefined federal footprint.
Politics, timing, and the legal frame
The timing of the RIFs aligns with broader political rhetoric surrounding the shutdown. Supporters of the administration argue that a leaner federal government will force efficiencies and curb what they view as excessive federal spending. Opponents counter that layoffs during a funding lapse risk harming public services and eroding trust in government operations.
Legal experts emphasize that a shutdown does not legally compel mass layoffs in a temporary funding gap. Jessica Riedl of the Manhattan Institute has pointed out that there is no statute requiring a substantial layoff during a temporary shutdown, and such actions have not been common in prior periods of funding lapse. Whether the current round will extend beyond the initial wave, or whether waivers and negotiations could slow or halt further actions, remains uncertain.
Impact on workers and public services
For federal workers, RIF notices mean an uncertain horizon. Affected employees may face redeployment options, retraining opportunities, or, in some cases, separation from service. The human impact of such cuts, particularly amid a fragile economy and ongoing public health concerns, underscores the sensitivity of the issue for workers and their families. Advocacy groups stress the importance of clear communication, due process, and fair treatment for employees who are told their jobs are ending or being reclassified as non-essential.
What to watch next
As agencies implement notices and timelines, the public will be watching for concrete numbers, affected agencies, and the eventual dates by which staff reductions take effect. The legal process also warrants close attention, including any waivers granted, union responses, and potential court actions that could shape how the shutdown schedules future personnel decisions.
Conclusion: A pivotal moment for federal staffing policy
The reported start of substantial RIFs marks a critical juncture in the administration’s approach to federal employment during a funding stalemate. Whether this signals a lasting overhaul of workforce size or a temporary rebalancing will depend on legal developments, negotiations, and the trajectory of federal funding in the coming days and weeks.
