Additional Coverage:
A federal judge has rejected a request by federal labor unions to halt the Trump administration’s dismissal of probationary employees and a previously offered deferred resignation program. Judge Christopher Cooper ruled the court lacks jurisdiction in this matter.
He directed the unions to take their case to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), the proper venue for such disputes. Judge Cooper emphasized that legal challenges must follow the established process outlined by Congress.
This decision follows a Tuesday hearing where the judge questioned the five unions, including the National Treasury Employees Union, about their decision to bypass the FLRA. The unions argued the urgency and scale of the potential firings justified their direct appeal to the court.
However, the judge stated the unions hadn’t demonstrated a right to avoid the FLRA process. While acknowledging the potential expediency of a direct court review, he highlighted the unions’ ability to seek relief through the FLRA.
This lawsuit, filed last week, is among several challenging efforts to reduce the federal workforce. The unions argue the administration’s actions violate Congressional authority and established procedures for workforce reduction.
They also claim the mass dismissals threaten union revenues and bargaining power, with the National Treasury Employees Union potentially losing half its members and dues. The Justice Department countered that the President has the authority to manage the federal workforce and that the unions’ concerns are speculative.
The administration maintains its actions are lawful. Since returning to office, President Trump, with Elon Musk’s assistance, has focused on reducing government size, cutting contracts, and eliminating wasteful programs.
Following legal challenges to the deferred resignation program, the administration has shifted to layoffs targeting probationary employees with fewer protections. This could potentially impact over 200,000 recently hired federal workers.