By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following a pause due to the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine, Russia plans to resume major public sector layoffs in 2024. This initiative, aiming to cut 10% of staff in territorial branches of federal agencies by 2025, seeks to free up funds to increase salaries for remaining employees. The goal is to reduce the workforce in these branches by approximately 40,000 people, or 0.5% of the country’s overall workforce. While some agencies may achieve this through unfilled positions, the move could result in higher salaries for those remaining, reaching up to 80,000 rubles per month. Notably, employees in Russia-installed administrations in occupied Ukrainian territories will be exempt from these layoffs.
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Russia’s war in Ukraine is taking a toll on its economy, and it seems the Kremlin is looking to cut costs by reducing its government workforce. The rumors of mass layoffs have sparked a flurry of online chatter, with people expressing a range of reactions, from amusement to concern. Some are joking about the “transfer window” between government jobs and the front lines, while others are more worried about the impact on Russia’s already struggling economy and the implications for the war effort.
The potential for mass government layoffs has prompted speculation about the reasons behind this move. Some believe that the Kremlin is struggling to maintain its financial commitments due to the economic sanctions imposed by the West. Others believe that the government is seeking to bolster its military force by sending these laid-off workers to the front lines. The idea of redirecting government employees to the battlefield has been met with humor by some, who are imagining a scenario where office workers suddenly find themselves in trenches, trading in their spreadsheets for rifles.
Regardless of the reason, the potential for mass layoffs is a significant development for Russia. It suggests that the war is having a profound impact on the country’s economy and its ability to function as a state. With the war in Ukraine continuing, and sanctions showing no signs of easing, the situation in Russia is likely to become even more precarious.
Many are questioning the wisdom of laying off government workers at a time when the country is facing a war and economic hardship. With a shrinking workforce, it’s unclear who will be left to keep the country running. Some point to the already strained situation in Russia, noting that the country is struggling with a demographic collapse, with many young people leaving the country due to the war and the economic downturn.
The rumors of mass layoffs are just another sign of the pressure that Russia is facing, both domestically and internationally. It remains to be seen what the long-term implications of these layoffs will be, but it’s clear that they represent a major shift for Russia, and could have significant repercussions for the country’s future.