In a recent development, a federal judge has reinstated Susan Grundmann to the Federal Labor Management Authority, denouncing President Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss her via a late-night email. This decision is significant as the panel plays a crucial role in resolving disputes between federal labor unions and the government, particularly amidst the administration’s efforts to undermine unions and lay off a substantial number of federal employees.

The reinstatement of Grundmann comes in the wake of the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end collective bargaining for the agency responsible for airport security and Trump’s refusal to honor the Department of Education’s union contract. U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan, appointed by President Biden, criticized the government’s arguments against Grundmann’s reinstatement, highlighting concerns about the separation of powers.

Grundmann’s case is not isolated, as several other federal labor agency leaders, including Cathy Harris and Gwynne Wilcox, faced similar late-night dismissal attempts by Trump. The judiciary has intervened in these instances, questioning the administration’s interpretation of executive authority and emphasizing the importance of checks and balances in the government.

While Trump was successful in firing Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, the legal challenges surrounding Grundmann and others underscore the ongoing debate over the extent of executive power and the protection of independent agencies. Judge Sooknanan’s ruling reinforces the principles of the Constitution and the need to prevent the concentration of power in a single branch of government.