Federal Judge Blocks Mass Firings Ordered by Personnel Office in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily blocked mass firings of probationary federal employees. Judge William Alsup ruled that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) acted unlawfully by ordering federal agencies to terminate probationary employees. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by labor unions and nonprofit organizations. Alsup stated that OPM lacks the authority to direct hiring and firing decisions in other agencies. The judge ordered OPM to inform relevant agencies that it cannot dictate firings. The case highlights concerns over the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for March 13.