During a protest on President’s Day in Washington, DC in February, a demonstrator is seen holding a sign in support of federal workers. Following a Maryland federal judge’s ruling that terminated probationary workers must be temporarily reinstated, several federal agencies have informed their employees that they are complying with the decision. The workers are being placed on paid administrative leave, meaning they are being paid without having to work.
Employees from agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Food and Drug Administration have received emails stating that they are reinstated but on administrative leave. Additionally, a probationary employee from the US Department of Agriculture received notice of reinstatement and administrative leave. The agencies are working on plans to gradually return the employees to their duties.
In a separate development, the Federal Aviation Administration has informed its workers that they will be on administrative leave until Wednesday, with back pay provided. David Spero, the national president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, expressed that employees will be able to resume their important work for the public.
The Trump administration’s downsizing efforts have led to the dismissal of many probationary workers. The Merit Systems Protection Board and federal judges have issued orders regarding the reinstatement of these workers. However, a federal judge raised concerns about the placement of workers on administrative leave and requested the Department of Justice to clarify the matter.
While employees are relieved to be reinstated and receive pay, they are frustrated by not being able to return to work. Many have had to surrender work equipment and have been instructed not to report to their offices. Despite the temporary relief of being paid, employees are eager to resume their duties and contribute to their agencies.
Some individuals are concerned about the possibility of the courts ruling in favor of the Trump administration or facing job loss due to the ongoing reduction in force (RIF) in the federal government. Andy Hazelton, a hurricane hunter with NOAA who was terminated as a probationary employee, shared with CNN that the letter he received raised more questions than it provided answers. Despite Hazelton expressing relief about receiving back pay, the letter cautioned that he could be terminated again depending on the outcome of the court case. He emphasized that the situation is uncertain and they are waiting for the court system to provide clarity.
Probationary employees are learning from former colleagues that work is accumulating during this period. A probationary worker at the FDA, who was initially placed on administrative leave and then had it extended, mentioned the workload piling up for those still on leave. Nicole Cantello, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238’s Local 704 representing EPA workers in Michigan and the Upper Midwest, highlighted the impact of enforcement officers and attorneys being fired or placed on leave on the enforcement of laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
The absence of inspectors due to leave may result in unchecked industrial pollution, as inspectors typically conduct around 10 inspections annually. A union local president at the USDA noted that losing probationary workers is disrupting their team’s ability to provide services to the public. The National Treasury Employees Union, representing IRS workers, criticized the administration’s actions as chaotic and disrespectful.
While some probationary employees express eagerness to return to work despite concerns about toxic work environments, others are hesitant due to the unfavorable conditions under the Trump administration. An IRS worker on the audit team, who is a certified public accountant, described the atmosphere as inhumane and lacking information about impending changes.
This article has been supplemented with further reporting from CNN’s Devan Cole. To access more CNN news and newsletters, you can sign up for an account on CNN.com.
