The U.S. government faced a lawsuit from 20 attorneys general, including Maryland’s, over mass firings of probationary federal employees. During a court hearing, Assistant Deputy Attorney General Eric J. Hamilton refused to disclose how many employees were terminated. Senior U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar questioned the government’s actions and expressed skepticism.
The states argued that the terminations left them unprepared to handle the influx of workers seeking unemployment benefits. They requested a temporary restraining order to maintain the status quo. The government defended its right to terminate probationary employees for performance reasons, but the judge found their explanations lacking.
The case highlighted concerns about the legality of the mass firings and whether they constituted a reduction in force. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown led the states’ lawsuit, emphasizing the need for proper procedures during a reduction in force, including notice to states and protection for workers.
The government’s vague responses to the judge’s questions raised doubts about the legality of the terminations. The case raised issues about the government’s prerogative to terminate employees and the proper procedures that must be followed. With thousands of federal employees expected to lose their jobs as part of government cuts, the outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for affected workers and states.
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