Court Allows Most Federal Job Cuts, Trump Administration States
The ongoing federal government shutdown has created significant turmoil within federal agencies. The Trump administration recently announced plans to cut approximately 4,000 positions since October 1. However, they have paused a small number of these layoffs due to a court order.
Court Order Halts Layoffs
According to recent court filings, the federal government has temporarily stopped layoffs affecting over 400 workers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 465 from the Education Department, and 102 employees from the Census Bureau. This development stems from a legal battle initiated by two federal employee unions: the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. These unions are contesting what they describe as politically motivated reductions in force (RIFs).
Temporary Restraining Order Issued
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, based in the Northern District of California, granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) on October 25. This order blocks specific layoffs that were announced on October 10, and it prevents additional firings until a hearing on October 28 to discuss a potential indefinite pause on layoffs.
- Over 400 staff at the Department of Housing and Urban Development
- 465 Education Department staff
- 102 Census Bureau employees
Administration’s Response
The Trump administration claims that most of the layoffs announced do not fall under the TRO. They argue that only a small share of layoffs will be affected while maintaining that they are complying with the court’s directive. However, some agencies interpret the court order narrowly and continue to assert that they are not obligated to halt layoffs.
This contention arises from an executive order issued by President Trump that limits collective bargaining rights for many federal workers. Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services cite this order as a key factor in their layoff strategies.
Changes to Collective Bargaining Rights
The ongoing disputes over collective bargaining rights are complicated by the fact that many of the affected agencies, including Health and Human Services, terminated relevant agreements earlier this year. This element will likely be discussed in upcoming court hearings, as the plaintiffs seek to include additional unions in the lawsuit.
Statistics on Layoffs
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director reported that nearly 10,000 federal employees might receive layoff notices during the current shutdown. Meanwhile, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) indicated that around 300,000 federal workers could exit by year’s end, with a large majority leaving voluntarily.
- 300,000 federal workers expected to leave by year-end
- 80% of departures were voluntary
- Approximately 60,000 workers faced involuntary separations
Conclusion
The recent court actions have created a precarious situation for federal agencies navigating layoffs amid a government shutdown. The upcoming hearings will assess the legal boundaries of the administration’s actions and the rights of federal workers during this controversial time.
