In a recent internal announcement obtained by JS, it was revealed that the U.S. Department of Labor will no longer be providing backup child care and certain other benefits to its employees.
Among the perks being cut are emergency backup day care, child care subsidies, and an employee mental health program. These changes are part of billionaire Elon Musk’s efforts to reduce the federal budget by $2 trillion, as directed by President Donald Trump. This cost-cutting measure has already resulted in the termination of thousands of federal workers and the elimination of various workplace accommodations.
The Labor Department’s internal notice stated that the changes would be implemented in early May, with backup day care services already being discontinued last month except for previously scheduled visits. While the savings from these cuts may not be significant, they serve as a symbolic gesture of the administration’s commitment to streamlining the federal workforce.
A lack of justification was provided for these changes, but President Trump has been vocal about his intention to reduce the power of the federal bureaucracy and restore democracy. Any federal employees who resist these changes will face immediate removal from their positions, according to the President.
At the time of reporting, spokespersons for the Labor Department had not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
JS readers: Do you have information about changes within federal agencies? Share your insights with us by emailing arthur@huffpost.com.
