Breaking News: Department of the Interior to Implement Layoffs Starting Monday, Union Confirms

The Department of the Interior plans to lay off a significant number of employees starting Monday, even though a federal judge has ordered a halt to such actions due to the ongoing shutdown. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) made this announcement based on information from reliable sources.

In a recent court filing, the union reported that their attorneys learned of these pending layoffs scheduled for October 20. They reached out to government attorneys for confirmation but only received a vague response, stating that more information would be provided by Friday.

Judge Susan Illston from the U.S. District Court in Northern California has expedited a hearing in response to the union’s request. She has also set a deadline for the government to specify layoff plans by 11 a.m. Pacific time.

This legal action arose after Judge Illston issued a temporary restraining order, which prevents federal agencies from further layoffs. The order also requires the government to reveal the names of anyone laid off during the shutdown by 5 p.m. on Friday.

Last week, the Trump administration had already dismissed over 4,100 workers across various agencies, although this did not affect the Department of the Interior at that time. The restraining order covers all agencies where AFGE members work.

As layoffs loom, many federal employees are anxious about their job security. Recent surveys show that approximately 75% of federal workers are concerned about the impact of government shutdowns on their employment. The broader anxiety also reflects a national trend, particularly during periods of political polarization when funding for agencies is often debated.

For those looking for more insights, the Economic Policy Institute has noted that layoffs can have lasting effects on workforce morale and productivity, which can hinder the government’s overall effectiveness in serving the public.

Stay tuned as this situation unfolds, especially with the impending court hearing and fluid political climate surrounding federal employment.

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