Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated legal action against several federal agencies, challenging the mass termination of probationary federal employees. The lawsuit contends that the directive from the Trump Administration's Office of Personnel Management to reduce the federal workforce by terminating probationary employees exceeds congressional authority. The legal action seeks to halt further firings and reinstate those already terminated while litigation is ongoing.

Attorney General Bonta stated, "The Trump Administration’s sweeping mass firing of probationary federal employees is simply unlawful." He emphasized that these actions could lead to operational disruptions, increased rehiring costs, and long-term financial burdens on taxpayers. He added, "I won’t stand idly by as the President attempts yet another unlawful power grab."

The lawsuit highlights that there are over 5.1 million federal workers nationwide, with more than 200,000 on probationary status. In California alone, many serve in critical roles across various agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Park Service.

The terminations have reportedly caused a significant increase in unemployment benefit claims by former federal workers in California. The complaint alleges that failing to comply with Reduction in Force (RIF) procedures violates the Administrative Procedures Act. These procedures require advance notice for mass layoffs to mitigate disruptions for affected personnel and communities.

When a RIF results in 50 or more layoffs, agencies must provide at least 60 days' notice to state governments for necessary preparations. However, no advance notice was given to California regarding these terminations.

The attorneys general involved are seeking declaratory relief and a temporary restraining order to pause further firings. They also seek preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to reinstate unlawfully terminated employees.

Joining Attorney General Bonta in this lawsuit are attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‛i, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.