Former Government worker here.  The 30 day is a notice requirement in an anticipated furlough.  Unanticipated furlough is where the 22 day period originates. The reduction of force plan has to be written within 22 days of non-continuous non working days. It's factoring in holiday pay that is excluded from loss of work.  Until the plan is written the effective date of furlough isn't clear. Both provisions are minimums.