Thousands of probationary federal workers, who were at risk of abrupt dismissal, can now rest easier following a court order issued by New York Attorney General Letitia James. In what's seen as a significant rebuke to the Trump administration's practices, the court ruled these employees must be reinstated by March 17. The legal challenge, intrepidly spearheaded by James and backed by a phalanx of 19 other attorneys general, alleged that the administration had illegally terminated these workers without the due process of advance notice, as reported by the New York Attorney General's office.
It appears the court stood by the attorneys generals' claim that the firings not only disrespected the rights of the workers but also breached federal law, which mandates written notice for mass layoffs. The United States District Court for the District of Maryland granted the motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO), essentially putting the kibosh on any further mass dismissals that fail to comply with legal protocols.
“Federal workers dedicate their careers to serving our country. They go to work every day to keep our communities safe, provide health care to those in need, and more. The Trump administration’s illegal mass firings of federal workers are causing destruction and confusion throughout the country, and they must stop. I applaud this ruling that restores thousands of federal workers’ jobs, and I will continue to fight to protect our federal workforce, and the services New Yorkers rely on, from this administration’s chaos,” James said, as she accentuated the importance of their reinstatement and reaffirmed her commitment to safeguard their careers and the services they provide, as noted by the Attorney General's office.
The triumphant stride to protect federal employees doesn't stand alone. Attorney General James has been on the front lines battling against the Trump administration's various maneuvers, including an attempt to gut the Department of Education. James led another coalition on Thursday, to put a stop to the firing of approximately half of the Department's workforce. Another concerted effort on February 11 found James alongside 20 attorneys general filing an amicus brief in support of federal workers rallying against misleading federal "buyout" plans. Moreover, on February 3, James was again at the helm of a coalition, comprising 11 attorneys general, to warn federal workers about deceptive buyout offers proposed by the administration.
All eyes are now on the Trump administration to comply fully with the TRO. Those interested in the unfolding developments can glean details from the press release issued by Attorney General James's office.
