San Francisco
AP
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A federal judge in San Francisco has ruled that the recent mass firings of probationary federal employees were likely illegal. This decision gives temporary relief to several labor unions and groups that are challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce.
US District Judge William Alsup ordered the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to notify federal agencies that they cannot fire probationary employees, including those in the Department of Defense.
He emphasized that “OPM does not have any authority whatsoever, under any statute in the history of the universe,” to hire or fire anyone other than its own employees.
This ruling stems from a temporary restraining order requested by a coalition of labor unions and nonprofits, who filed a lawsuit just last week. The lawsuit challenges the administration’s attempts to significantly reduce the federal workforce, which President Trump has labeled as bloated. Thousands of probationary employees have already lost their jobs, and the administration is now targeting career officials with civil service protections.
The lawsuit claims that OPM overstepped its authority by terminating the jobs of employees still in their probationary period, typically less than a year. The plaintiffs argue that these firings were based on misleading allegations of poor job performance.
In response, government lawyers have stated that OPM did not directly order the firings, but rather suggested that agencies assess their probationary employees. They contend that these workers are not guaranteed long-term employment, suggesting only top performers should be retained.
Currently, there are about 200,000 probationary federal workers, with roughly 15,000 in California. These employees provide crucial services, including fire prevention and care for veterans.
After the ruling, the plaintiffs expressed their satisfaction but recognized that it is only a first step in a broader legal battle against mass firings.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, hailed the decision as a crucial victory for Americans who were wrongfully dismissed. He asserts that OPM’s actions were illegal and that the union will continue to fight against such practices.
Other unions have similarly faced challenges in recent lawsuits aimed at halting the administration’s workforce reduction plans.
Judge Alsup, known for his straightforward approach, presided over this important case, having dealt with various high-profile matters in the past.
This story has been updated with additional details.
Report contributed by CNN’s Katelyn Polantz.
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