Judge Rules Mass Firing of Probationary Employees Illegal- A Win For AFGE
A federal judge ruled on Feb. 27 that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had no authority to fire federal employees in other agencies, declaring its actions illegal and ordering the immediate reversal of terminations. Judge William Alsup stated that firing employees without cause was unjust and that agencies should not fabricate performance issues to justify dismissals. He ordered OPM to notify affected agencies, including the VA, DOD, and SBA, and disclose details of a Feb. 13 call where agencies were allegedly instructed to fire probationary employees. The ruling follows a Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) decision that had already paused some terminations. AFGE and other unions, who fought the case, called it a major victory against the administration’s efforts to privatize federal jobs.
Although this case was won, the war is far from over. Take this opportunity to learn on the importance of union membership, as AFGE tirelessly fights to protect employee rights, wether in the court room, or your office, we are active now more than ever to ensure your rights are not violated. If you have not switched to e-dues, we highly encourage all our member to do so and talk to your fellow co-workers on why we need their support to join and fight against unjust employment practices.
Read the full article from the Insider here.