The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has requested that the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) issue a stay, or pause, on the Trump administration’s terminations of six probationary federal employees. The agency says it believes that these terminations are not permissible on the grounds that they violated prohibited personnel practices.
While the stay request was for six employees, it potentially has implications for thousands of federal employees who were recently fired during their probationary periods.
According to a redacted case file of one of the stay requests published by OSC, the agency requested a 45-day stay of probationary terminations by several federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
OSC alleges that these terminations, which occurred simultaneously with a broader workforce reduction effort, violated federal laws and regulations governing probationary employees. OSC argues that the agencies failed to follow proper procedures for terminating probationary employees or initiating reductions in force (RIFs).
The terminations, citing “efficiency” and “public interest,” are challenged for violating merit system principles, including fair treatment and selection based on ability. OSC argues the terminations, impacting over 1,000 employees, warrant a stay due to potential violations of federal laws and regulations.
Agencies are accused of improperly terminating probationary employees during a reorganization, violating RIF regulations....
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