States sue Trump administration over mass firings of federal employees.
The attorneys general of Washington D.C., Maryland, and 18 other states are suing the Trump administration over the mass firing of federal employees.
The Democratic attorneys general argue that federal agencies falsely told probationary employees — those relatively new on the job — through termination letters that they were being fired because of their performance.
Federal law requires agencies to notify states generally 60 days in advance when laying off 50 or more people, so that states can jump into action.
Under federal law, they explain, states are required to have rapid response teams to provide workers with support, including job transition services.
Advance notice of mass layoffs helps states quickly identify who will need help before they are fired, the complaint contends.
The attorneys general have asked a federal judge in Maryland for a temporary restraining order, halting the firings of probationary employees and reinstating those who have been terminated. »
