A coalition of 20 attorneys general has launched a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging improper terminations of probationary employees without the mandated advance notice. The legal action seeks to restore procedural protections for federal workers and ensure compliance with established labor laws.

Protecting Workers' Rights: A Battle for Justice and Accountability

The Legal Frontline: States Join Forces Against Mass Layoffs

A powerful alliance of 20 attorneys general from across the United States has taken a stand against the abrupt termination of thousands of probationary federal workers. This coalition, representing diverse states and Washington D.C., filed a lawsuit in a Maryland federal court, asserting that the administration violated crucial legal protocols governing employee layoffs. The suit argues that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unlawfully instructed agencies to carry out mass terminations without providing the necessary advance notice. Probationary employees, typically those serving less than two years, were particularly affected by this directive.The lawsuit highlights the critical importance of adhering to federal labor laws. Under these regulations, agencies are required to provide 60 days’ written notice before initiating a Reduction-in-Force (RIF). Furthermore, if 50 or more employees within an agency receive such notices, state governments must be informed. These provisions are designed to give employees sufficient time to plan for their future and allow states to mobilize resources for job placement, training, and social services. The sudden nature of these terminations has left many employees and their families grappling with financial instability, while states have been forced to scramble to identify affected individuals and offer support.

Impact on Families and State Resources

The ramifications of these mass layoffs extend far beyond individual employees. Families are struggling to make ends meet as they face unexpected loss of income. For states, the situation has necessitated additional resource allocation to assist affected workers. The lawsuit emphasizes that the lack of proper notice has exacerbated these challenges, forcing states to expend extra efforts to identify which agencies have conducted layoffs and which employees require assistance. This situation underscores the broader impact on community stability and economic resilience.

Seeking Judicial Intervention

The attorneys general are requesting a court order to halt further mass layoffs without the required notice period. They also seek the reinstatement of workers who have been terminated since January 20, 2025. This legal action aims to restore the procedural safeguards that protect federal workers and uphold the integrity of labor laws. The White House has not yet provided a formal response to these allegations, but the case is expected to draw significant attention as it unfolds in the courts.

Judicial Rulings Begin to Shape the Landscape

Recent developments in related cases have begun to influence the ongoing dispute. Last week, a federal judge in San Francisco ruled that the OPM must rescind memos instructing agencies to terminate probationary employees, citing that the OPM had overstepped its legal boundaries. Following this ruling, the OPM quietly revised its memo, clarifying that individual agencies, rather than the OPM, are responsible for terminating federal workers. These judicial interventions highlight the complex interplay between administrative directives and legal oversight, shaping the future of federal workforce management.