Economy|Donald TrumpUS judge temporarily blocks Trump plan to fire thousands of gov’t workersA federal judge said the layoffs by the administration of US President Donald Trump seem politically motivated and ‘you can’t do that in a nation of laws’.
A United States federal judge in California has mandated the suspension of mass layoffs during the ongoing partial government shutdown. This decision comes as the court reviews claims by unions asserting the illegality of these job cuts.
A United States federal judge in California has mandated the suspension of mass layoffs during the ongoing partial government shutdown. This decision comes as the court reviews claims by unions asserting the illegality of these job cuts.
US District Judge Susan Illston, presiding in San Francisco, has granted a preliminary injunction requested by two unions to block layoffs across more than 30 federal agencies. This measure remains in place while further litigation proceeds.
Judge Illston referenced statements made by President Donald Trump and White House Budget Director Russell Vought, indicating political motivations behind the layoffs, particularly targeting agencies associated with the Democratic Party.
The judge highlighted concerns about the legality of the layoffs, emphasizing they were being executed without due consideration, potentially violating existing laws.
A United States federal judge in California has mandated the suspension of mass layoffs during the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Elizabeth Hedges, representing the US Department of Justice, argued that the unions should pursue their claims through a federal labor board prior to seeking judicial intervention. The administration maintains that layoffs are part of a broader strategy to downsize the federal government, a point contested by the unions.
Federal agencies began issuing layoff notices as part of efforts to reduce government size, with approximately 4,100 employees across eight agencies already notified. The Trump administration continues to fund military operations and enforce immigration policies while reducing positions in health and education sectors.
The unions argue that layoffs are not an essential service permissible during a funding lapse and that the shutdown does not legitimize widespread job cuts, as most federal employees remain furloughed without compensation.
The case remains under judicial review as both the administration and unions await further legal proceedings to determine the outcome of the current dispute.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.