Protesters at the Santa Rosa VA on March 5 (Photo: Kent Porter)
On Thursday, two federal judges ruled against the mass termination of thousands of probationary federal employees, ordering their reinstatement. The rulings impact nearly 20 federal agencies, including the VA, and the majority of the 30,000 workers dismissed in February as part of the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce.
In Northern California, U.S. District Judge William Alsup determined that the Office of Personnel Management, OPM, lacked the authority to direct layoffs at six agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, Treasury, and VA. Calling the firings a “sham,” Alsup stated that the government attempted to sidestep federal laws governing workforce reductions. His injunction mandates the immediate reinstatement of affected employees.
U.S. District Judge James Bredar in Maryland ruled that terminations across 18 agencies were conducted without proper notice, violating legal requirements for Reduction in Force, RIF, procedures. Bredar’s restraining order requires reinstatement by March 17, stating that the employees were dismissed without individual assessments.
Both rulings are preliminary and subject to appeal. The Justice Department has signaled its intent to challenge Alsup’s decision in the Ninth Circuit. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the ruling, arguing that a single judge should not interfere with the president’s authority over executive branch employment decisions.
Labor unions and state attorneys general welcomed the decisions. American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley praised Alsup’s ruling, calling it a victory for federal workers unlawfully dismissed. California Attorney General Rob Bonta also expressed support, vowing to ensure compliance with the orders.
The Trump administration’s efforts to significantly reduce the federal workforce have already led to the resignation or termination of approximately 100,000 employees, with an additional 400,000 job cuts planned. Previous legal challenges have resulted in temporary reinstatements, including thousands of Agriculture Department workers who were granted a 45-day stay.
Legal battles over mass terminations continue, with multiple lawsuits challenging the administration’s approach. The outcomes of these cases could further shape the administration’s workforce policies.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.