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Top Three News Stories:

1. Most, But Not All Shutdown RIFs Blocked by Injunction, Agencies Tell Court

Agencies told a federal judge that while the preliminary injunction halted most shutdown-related RIFs, a subset of notices at Commerce, HHS, and DHS/CISA fall outside the order and may proceed. Court filings indicate roughly 10% of the 4,000 layoffs are not covered, leaving some employees still facing separation as soon as December 9. DOJ also said two pre-shutdown RIFs were long-planned and continue unaffected. For federal employees, this means some workers still face active RIF timelines despite the injunction—check in writing whether your notice is stayed and what deadlines apply. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

If you received a RIF notice, immediately ask HR (in writing) whether the injunction covers your competitive area and whether your deadlines are paused. Request your retention data (tenure, veterans’ preference, and ratings) and verify it for errors. Calendar any bump/retreat, placement, and MSPB deadlines even if the case is in flux. If coverage is disputed or you face fast-moving dates, contact your union and consider consulting counsel promptly.

2. FAA Plans to Cut 10% of Flights in Major Markets Due to Shutdown-Related Staffing Issues

DOT and FAA officials announced a 10% reduction in flights across 40 high-traffic markets, citing controller call-outs and fatigue as unpaid excepted employees miss a second full paycheck. The cuts, intended as a safety measure, will begin Friday and may expand if absenteeism worsens. Officials stressed the system remains safe but acknowledged rising delays and cancellations. For federal employees, this means excepted FAA/TSA staff should expect schedule changes, overtime, and tightened attendance oversight—keep accurate timekeeping and follow written instructions. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

If you’re excepted and working, log hours precisely and save all schedule/leave decisions in writing. Use official channels to request episodic telework or brief absences where policy allows; do not rely on verbal assurances. If you’re assigned additional shifts or duties that raise safety concerns, elevate them in writing and involve your union. Consider speaking with counsel if you face AWOL or discipline tied to shutdown logistics.

3. DHS Says Shutdown Layoffs at CISA Will Proceed Despite Court Injunction

DHS said CISA is moving forward with 54 layoffs in its Stakeholder Engagement Division, arguing those notices predated the injunction and affect no union-represented employees—so they’re not covered. The filing outlines how CISA interprets the order’s scope, even as unions contend shutdown-era RIFs are unlawful. The dispute highlights uneven application of the court’s ruling across agencies and components. For federal employees, this means CISA staff with Oct. 10 notices should assume their timelines may still run unless HR confirms a stay in writing. Nextgov

Legal Insight:  

Ask HR to confirm in writing whether your notice is within a covered competitive area; if not, your response and separation timelines may still apply. Obtain and review your retention register information and keep all notices/emails. Where interpretations conflict or deadlines are imminent, talk with your union and consider seeking counsel quickly to preserve MSPB/EEO options.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

The Transition Reset

Federal workdays pivot rapidly—from a staffing grievance to a cybersecurity briefing to a budget call. Each pivot leaves trace emotions that can cloud the next task. Close your eyes for a single inhalation, silently label the hand-off (“closing grievance, opening cyber briefing”), and picture the previous task sliding into an archive. Exhale with an image of clear space on the mental desktop. Neuroscience research shows that even this five-second transition lowers cognitive drag, allowing the prefrontal cortex to regain the precision required for complex problem-solving.