A federal court has mandated the reinstatement of probationary federal employees who were terminated under the Trump administration. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, led by Judge William H. Alsup, issued a preliminary injunction against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Acting Director, Charles Ezell.
Judge Alsup determined that OPM lacked the authority to terminate these employees, leading to an order for their immediate reinstatement across several departments including Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior, Energy, Defense, and Treasury. The ruling also requires these agencies to halt any further terminations of probationary employees.
The court has demanded a compliance report from the involved agencies and has allowed depositions while requesting further briefings on whether administrative channels for dismissed workers remain functional after significant personnel changes in the Appeals Board and Office of Special Counsel.
Attorney General Nick Brown commented on the ruling: “Today’s order is a win for the employees that will be reinstated and the rule of law, but this case is not over.” He criticized former President Trump for actions he perceives as unconstitutional.
Following the hearing, plaintiffs submitted additional evidence highlighting damages from employee terminations at other federal agencies not yet covered by this court order. The court may extend its consideration to include more agencies in its injunction.
The plaintiffs in this case include various unions and organizations such as the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Main Street Alliance, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks among others. Legal representation is provided by Altshuler Berzon LLP and State Democracy Defenders Fund (SDDF).
Washington's Attorney General's Office plays a crucial role in providing legal services to state entities and enforcing laws related to consumer protection, civil rights, environmental protection while also handling cases like elder abuse and Medicaid fraud.