Six Federal Workers Temporarily Reinstated by Review Board

Federal Workers Temporarily Reinstated After Merit Systems Protection Board Ruling

In a significant ruling this week, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) decided to temporarily reinstate six federal employees who were recently terminated. This ruling marks a pivotal moment for those advocating for the reemployment of thousands of federal workers who were fired during the Trump administration. The reinstatement signals potential progress for many individuals who believe their dismissals were unjust.

The MSPB, an independent agency that handles appeals from federal employees regarding various employment actions, announced the decision late Tuesday. The ruling is set to remain effective until April 10, allowing the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) to further investigate the complaints of the dismissed employees. The six workers represent different federal agencies, showcasing the widespread impact of the firings.

Raymond A. Limon, a member of the MSPB, stated in his order that there are reasonable grounds to believe that each of the six agencies involved committed prohibited personnel practices. This determination could extend beyond these six individuals, potentially impacting thousands of other government employees who were terminated while on probationary status—a time when many are still relatively new to their roles.

The ongoing struggle of federal employees continues as both Hampton Dellinger, the special counsel overseeing the investigations, and Cathy Harris, the chairwoman of the MSPB, were also dismissed by Trump just weeks ago. They are currently contesting their own terminations through the legal system, with federal judges issuing temporary reinstatement orders for both.

Dellinger, who leads the Office of Special Counsel, was fired on February 7. Despite his removal, a federal judge ordered that the effects of his firing be halted until March 1. The MSPB, under Harris, consists of three members—two appointed by presidents from the Democratic party and one from the Republican party. Each member is appointed for a seven-year term that overlaps with others, ensuring a balance of political representation, as no more than two members can belong to the same political party.

The widespread terminations since Trump took office have prompted numerous lawsuits, as former employees challenge their dismissals. Federal judges have advised plaintiffs to present their cases before independent boards established for such purposes. In the case of the six probational employees, the matter has been referred to the MSPB, which is tasked with reviewing and determining the validity of their claims.

These mass firings, which the Trump administration has defended as essential cost-cutting measures, have led to a surge in cases at independent review boards. The MSPB reported receiving approximately 100 new cases weekly in the fall, a figure that dramatically increased between February 16 and February 22, with a staggering 1,845 new cases filed within that short span.

On February 21, Dellinger formally requested that the MSPB pause the firings of six probationary employees belonging to various departments, including Agriculture, Education, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs, and the Office of Personnel Management. Legal representation for these employees is aiming to extend the protective pause to additional clients, many of whom have registered complaints with Dellinger’s office—a necessary first step in contesting their dismissals.

As of Wednesday, nearly 20,000 probationary employees have faced termination, according to a thorough analysis conducted by The New York Times. The ongoing firings of probationary employees are part of a broader strategy employed by the Trump administration to drastically reduce the federal workforce.

The administration’s future plans include implementing extensive “reductions in force,” further threatening the jobs of countless federal workers. This new phase, recently initiated, seeks to carry out significant workforce reductions across federal agencies, which are likely to evoke additional legal challenges.

In line with these developments, the Office of Personnel Management released guidance for executing such large-scale cuts as outlined in a February 11 executive order issued by Trump. The ramifications of these guidelines are yet to be fully realized, but they underscore the turbulent climate surrounding federal employment and the potential for ongoing litigation in the wake of these controversial firings.

As the cases unfold, advocates for federal workers remain hopeful that the MSPB’s recent rulings will pave the way for the restoration of jobs unjustly taken from employees and spark a movement towards greater protections for those working within the federal government. The outcome of this investigation and the legal battles that follow may ultimately reshape the landscape of federal employment for years to come.