Court Grants Injunction Against OPM, Orders Reinstatement of Employees

The Facts -

• Judge Alsup ruled OPM's termination of employees illegal, reinstating them.
• Federal agencies must stop firing probationary employees and report compliance.
• Plaintiffs and unions celebrate the ruling as a win for federal workers' rights.

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SAN FRANCISCO – Federal Court Issues Ruling Against OPM on Termination of Probationary Employees

In a significant legal decision, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has expanded a previously issued temporary restraining order against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Acting Director, Charles Ezell. The Court, with Judge William H. Alsup presiding, determined that the agency acted without authority when it ordered the termination of probationary federal employees. This ruling mandates an immediate reinstatement of these employees across several federal departments, including Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior, Energy, Defense, and Treasury.

The Court's ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and organizations that includes the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Main Street Alliance, and other organizations, initiated the lawsuit. Judge Alsup's decision has mandated the reinstatement of employees at multiple federal agencies, including Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior, Energy, Defense, and Treasury.

The ruling puts a spotlight on OPM's overreach and raises questions about the agency's authority concerning federal employment. Judge Alsup has also provided for further examination into whether the administrative avenues meant to protect fired workers have been jeopardized by staffing changes at the Appeals Board and the Office of Special Counsel.