The recent U.S. federal shutdown has led to significant chaos, especially regarding employee layoffs. Federal court documents filed in San Francisco reveal that numerous employees were unaware of their job status amid ongoing layoffs.
Federal Layoffs Amid Government Shutdown
As of October 2025, the ongoing government shutdown has resulted in layoffs affecting hundreds of federal employees. The situation is complicated due to errors in the notification process, with many employees receiving layoff notices mistakenly.
Legal Action by Labor Unions
Four labor unions, including local chapters of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), filed a lawsuit at the onset of the shutdown. They argue that there is no legal mandate allowing mass layoffs due to funding shortages for federal agencies.
Details of the Layoff Process
Furloughed employees were prohibited from accessing work emails or voicemails, leaving many uninformed about their employment status. Rachel Gittleman, president of AFGE Local 252, which represents over 2,700 Department of Education staff, noted that some employees have faced disciplinary threats for checking their emails while furloughed. This has resulted in individuals missing important layoff notifications sent via email.
- Employees were often told not to take Government Furnished Equipment home.
- Furloughed employees generally lack the means to verify their layoff status.
- Union officials have highlighted extreme mental anguish among affected employees.
Errors and Discrepancies
The layoff process has been marred by inaccuracies. Military veterans and long-serving HUD employees received termination notices despite legal protections regarding their employment. Yolanda Jacobs, president of AFGE Local 2883, highlighted that many layoffs may be based on faulty employment data.
Thomas Nagy Jr., from the Department of Health and Human Services, acknowledged discrepancies in the layoff notifications. Overall, initial reports indicated 1,760 notices, but it was clarified that only 982 were warranted.
Updated Job Cut Figures
As the situation evolves, Stephen Billy from the Office of Management and Budget provided updated statistics reflecting the ongoing turmoil. The total estimated federal job cuts now stand at:
| Department | Initial Cuts | Revised Cuts |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Commerce | ~300 | ~600 |
| Department of Homeland Security | 176 | 54 |
| Department of the Treasury | 1,446 | 1,377 |
The total number of federal job cuts now totals approximately 4,128, reflecting the chaotic landscape during this federal shutdown.
