“USDA Employees Wrongfully Terminated by Trump Administration Reinstated, Workers’ Board Rules” | CNN Politics

According to a recent order, nearly 6,000 probationary workers from the Department of Agriculture are being reinstated temporarily. This decision comes from the Merit Systems Protection Board, signaling a challenge to former President Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce.

The firing of these workers raised legal concerns, suggesting that the mass layoffs may have been unlawful. This decision might also influence how the Trump administration’s mass firings are viewed across other government agencies.

The affected workers, who are on probation (meaning they have been in their roles for about a year or less), began losing their jobs on February 13. The administration claimed these workers were not serving the public interest, which led to their dismissals.

An attorney representing the workers argued that the process of layoffs did not adhere to legal guidelines. On Wednesday, the board supported this position, led by board member Cathy Harris.

Starting Wednesday, the reinstated workers can return to their jobs for at least 45 days. The special counsel will further investigate the legal aspects of these layoffs at the USDA.

One case highlighted was that of an anonymous forestry technician who was fired on February 13. He mentioned that his performance had always been well-received and that his supervisor knew nothing about the firing until shortly before it happened.

The board has instructed the USDA to reinstate all probationary employees fired since February 13, totaling around 5,950 individuals. The Agriculture Department must prove compliance with this order within five days.

This reinstatement marks a significant victory for those who challenged the mass firings, showcasing the board’s authority in overturning hasty decisions made by the administration.

The issue of mass firings has emerged in multiple agencies, with ongoing legal challenges. Recent court decisions have also reversed some of Trump’s actions regarding key employee protections.

Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger remarked that the layoffs at the USDA were not consistent with federal employment laws. Generally, probationary employees can only be terminated based on their individual performance or conduct.

This situation continues to evolve, as further investigations and legal reviews are underway.

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