A federal judge rejected appeals by federal labor unions to halt the Trump administration’s sweeping layoffs of probationary employees and deferred resignation initiatives. In a pivotal ruling, Judge Christopher Cooper declared courts lack jurisdiction over the dispute, redirecting challenges to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA).
The decision deals a significant blow to unions representing over 2 million workers. Cooper emphasized the statutory framework:
These claims belong before the FLRA... followed by judicial review in appellate courts,dismissing arguments that bypassing administrative channels was necessary despite alleged urgent threats to federal operations.
Key outcomes from the ruling:
- 200,000+ probationary hires face termination across agencies
- Unions project 50% dues revenue loss from workforce cuts
- FLRA now primary battleground for contesting layoffs
The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) argued district court intervention could expedite relief but failed to prove FLRA processes were unworkable. Justice Department lawyers countered that blocking layoffs would “undermine presidential authority” to reshape government operations. This legal clash arises amid broader Trump-Musk initiatives to slash federal contracts and eliminate positions labeled redundant.
With probationary employees – typically those with under two years’ service – bearing the brunt, critics warn of destabilized agencies and union bargaining collapse. The administration maintains these workforce reductions align with lawful streamlining efforts, dismissing union financial concerns as speculative. Observers note this ruling could embolden deeper cuts as battles shift to FLRA hearings.