Judge Urged to Reinstate Federal Workers Kept on Paid Leave Despite Court Order

Unions and nonprofits have urged a US judge to enforce his order requiring six federal agencies to reinstate over 17,000 probationary employees. The agencies were accused of defying US District Judge William Alsup’s March 13th order by placing many workers on paid leave instead of restoring their jobs. Plaintiffs argue this violates the ruling which intended to restore essential services and provide workers with job security. 

The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to block the reinstatement order claiming undue interference in agency decisions. The agencies claim they are working toward compliance but argue many employees will be laid off eventually. 

Another federal judge in Baltimore separately ordered 18 agencies to reinstate nearly 25,000 workers. The lawsuit contends the US Office of Personnel Management unlawfully directed the mass firings of federal employees without a proper reason.