It is easier to dismiss probationary workers as they do not have the same rights to challenge their termination compared to permanent staff. Some employees who had been with their departments for longer periods also found themselves caught in the crossfire.
Doug Berry, who had transitioned from a career in real estate to work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development for increased stability, took on a loan technician role in January. However, in July, the 53-year-old decided to switch to a pathways intern position to improve his career prospects after the probationary period and pursue an MBA at the same time. Little did he know what lay ahead as his probationary period reset.
Berry received his termination notice close to 5 o’clock on a Thursday, effective at the end of the business day. However, he had left the office at 4:30, only to return the next morning to find his job gone. “I spent an hour cleaning out my desk and passing on my work to colleagues,” he recalled.
Multiple unions representing government workers have taken legal action against the administration for dismissing probationary employees, arguing that the process violated established dismissal protocols. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, stressed that these firings were not due to poor performance and that the affected employees were dedicated public servants.
The Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire Elon Musk, has initiated significant cuts to federal agencies in a bid to reduce government spending. Numerous layoffs have occurred recently, primarily affecting newer hires on probationary status. The exact scope of these layoffs remains uncertain, but data from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management indicated that around 220,000 federal employees out of 2.3 million had less than a year of experience in their current positions as of March 2024.
As Musk’s team continues its restructuring efforts, critics, including Senator Lisa Murkowski, have raised concerns about the repercussions of these actions on federal employees and their families. Despite mounting opposition and legal challenges, President Trump remains steadfast in his decision to downsize the federal government.
Former employees, who had worked for weeks or months, were left in the dark when seeking answers about the total or estimated number of workers who had been terminated. The Office of Personnel Management declined to provide USA TODAY with the requested information. Ex-employees expressed concerns about the impact on the communities they were dedicated to serving.
Victoria Porter, aged 28, recalled how she had found her dream job maintaining hiking trails for the U.S. Forest Service in Montana by riding horses into the backcountry. Her world came crashing down when she and eight others from her 12-person trail team were let go. Porter emphasized the significant impact these terminations would have on the community surrounding the forest. The local economy heavily relies on the trails as an engine for economic growth, with outdoor outfitters and other businesses being affected. Porter expressed doubt about the ability to maintain the trails effectively with a much smaller crew, foreseeing negative repercussions on hikers, outfitters, and the local economy due to decreased tourism.
In another instance, Berry expressed worry about the repercussions of the terminations on low-income rural communities that benefitted from his work in reviewing loans and funding for community projects. He highlighted the importance of these services to small-town life, pointing out the disconnect between the necessity of such projects and the decisions made. Concerned about his future prospects after being fired, Berry lamented that he had never faced termination for cause before.
Moseyko, a skilled employee in writing machine learning algorithms at the VA since June 2024, faced mental strain and financial worries following her sudden dismissal. She expressed confidence in her job-seeking abilities but acknowledged the challenges ahead. Berry initiated steps to challenge the termination, believing it to be unjust. Moseyko echoed his sentiments, deeming the termination illegal due to lack of due process.
On the other hand, Milburn shared her experience of needing to find employment accommodating her medical condition, similar to her federal job. She criticized the lack of awareness among Americans supporting government job cuts regarding the cascading effects of downsizing. Feeling hurt and betrayed, Milburn vowed to fight against the situation, emphasizing her dedication to serving her country.
As tensions rise and lives are upended, these ex-federal workers stand firm in their resolve to navigate the challenges ahead, seeking justice and a way forward amidst uncertainty.
