USDA Ordered to Reinstate Fired Employees

SOURCE www.npr.org
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been ordered to reinstate close to 6,000 employees that were fired since February 13 by an independent federal board, finding the terminations illegal. The firings were part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce.

Key Points

  • Merit Systems Protection Board ordered USDA to reinstate fired probationary employees
  • Firings were part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to reduce federal workforce
  • Legal challenges to the firings are gaining momentum

Pros

  • Order to reinstate fired employees provides relief to affected workers
  • Investigation into the legality of the terminations is ongoing

Cons

  • Challenges to the Trump administration's firing practices are ongoing
  • USDA's attempt at workforce reduction through mass layoffs has faced legal scrutiny