Despite widespread talks of federal workforce cuts, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is ramping up its hiring process.
The FAA is boosting its Air Traffic Control Academy, focusing on attracting top talent with a merit-based test. It’s also offering a 30% salary increase to new hires.
The streamlined process reduces the hiring steps from eight to five, saving about four months of waiting time.
Applications are open until mid-March. This hiring surge comes as the U.S. faces a significant shortage of air traffic controllers, worsened by the pandemic, leading to travel delays nationwide.
IRS Layoffs and Office Closures
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is closing 120 offices and laying off thousands of employees, which could affect customer service during the busy tax season. This decision also halts the IRS’s effort to pursue wealthy tax evaders.
The Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration published a list of planned office closures, including locations in Iowa, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
These layoffs add to the 7,000 probationary workers who were let go last week.
In total, about 120 IRS offices that offer taxpayer services will be shut down. This move contradicts the Biden administration’s $80 billion funding through the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at modernizing the IRS and ensuring wealthy individuals pay their taxes.
Social Security Administration Layoffs and Closures
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is also planning significant layoffs, potentially impacting 72 million beneficiaries who rely on its payments.
Reports suggest that between 7,000 to 30,000 workers could lose their jobs, which could be as much as half of the SSA’s workforce.
These layoffs are happening at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., and in offices across the country. Advocacy groups warn that this could lead to longer wait times for beneficiaries seeking help over the phone, online, or in person.
Ending DEI at Public Schools
The Trump administration has set a deadline for colleges and public schools to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, claiming that they lead to discrimination against white and Asian-American students.
To support this change, the Education Department has launched an online tool for reporting discrimination based on race or sex in public schools.
Reports made through this tool will be used to investigate schools and possibly withdraw funding from those continuing DEI programs.
However, most funding for public schools comes from state and local sources.
The Trump administration is also laying off Education Department employees as part of a plan to close the agency. A legal challenge against this anti-DEI initiative is currently underway.
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NOAA Cuts
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is facing major job cuts, with over 1,000 employees set to lose their positions, representing about 10% of its workforce.
A significant portion of these cuts affects employees responsible for weather forecasting, including those at the National Weather Service who issue severe weather alerts.
NOAA is also responsible for tracking hurricanes and storms nationwide, raising concerns about the potential impact on public safety and preparedness.
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