Federal Judge Reverses Hundreds of Layoffs Finalized During Shutdown
A federal judge in San Francisco is poised to reverse the layoffs of hundreds of federal workers carried out during the recent government shutdown. Unions representing these employees requested the court to annul the termination notices issued by various federal agencies.
Details of the Layoffs
The layoffs affected governmental bodies including the Department of Education, the State Department, the Small Business Administration, and the General Services Administration. Notices for reduction in force (RIF) were sent out prior to the shutdown, with separations set to take effect in October and November.
Judicial Response
Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California indicated her intent to grant the unions’ request for a preliminary injunction against the layoff procedures. The American Federation of Government Employees and the American Foreign Service Association argued that the layoffs violated a temporary spending bill passed by Congress, which prohibits RIFs until January 30, 2026.
Earlier this month, the court issued a temporary restraining order preventing nearly 250 layoffs of Foreign Service officers at the State Department, originally scheduled for November 10, from being finalized.
Impact and Implications
The judge’s anticipated ruling could affect around 680 federal employees, including more than 200 from the General Services Administration, 150 from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, and nearly 80 from the Small Business Administration.
Government’s Position
The Trump administration argues for a limited interpretation of the spending bill and has only reinstated employees who received RIF notices between October 1 and November 12. The administration’s attorney expresses concern over the logistical challenges that would arise from rescinding layoffs.
Union Advocacy
Representatives from the unions emphasized Congress’s clear directive to halt RIFs and restore affected employees’ statuses. They highlight that former federal workers are experiencing significant hardships, including eviction notices and financial struggles.
Everett Kelley, the National President of AFGE, hailed Illston’s upcoming ruling as a victory for federal employees and a reaffirmation of the rule of law. He stated that Congress’s actions during the shutdown were unequivocal in preventing further layoffs.
John Dinkelman, president of the American Foreign Service Association, reinforced the position that the government’s move to proceed with RIFs was unlawful, stating that the ruling confirmed the statutory protections afforded to federal employees.
Next Steps
Judge Illston has yet to finalize her written preliminary injunction. She has expressed willingness to consider a request from the Justice Department to delay the order’s effect, allowing time for the administration to decide whether to appeal the ruling.
This case serves as a critical point in the ongoing discourse surrounding federal employee rights and job security during government shutdowns.
