The Trump administration has updated its policy regarding the firing of probationary workers, giving federal departments autonomy in such decisions. This adjustment follows a federal judge’s ruling that halted mass terminations of probationary employees initiated by the administration. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management clarified that agencies now hold the authority and responsibility for performance-based actions on probationary employees, signaling a shift from the previous directive to dismiss thousands of newly hired workers.
Judge William Alsup criticized the OPM’s overreach in ordering agencies to terminate employees, emphasizing that OPM lacks the authority to hire or fire personnel. The administration’s mass firings, orchestrated by the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, faced legal challenges from labor unions representing federal workers. The revised OPM guidance does not mandate the reinstatement of terminated employees but acknowledges the unlawfulness of the initial terminations.
Labor unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees, advocate for the reinstatement of fired probationary workers in light of the updated guidance. The Trump administration’s plans for significant reductions in the federal workforce have prompted concerns, particularly regarding potential staff cuts affecting employees with full civil service protection. While the policy shift on probationary workers reflects increased agency discretion, broader workforce reduction efforts remain a focal point for federal departments and agencies moving forward.
