A federal watchdog overseeing workplace protections for federal employees has advised putting a stop to the Trump administration’s dismissal of six probationary workers in various agencies. The U.S. Special Counsel, Hampton Dellinger, who is currently facing his legal battle against President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove him from office, emphasized that these terminations may be in breach of federal personnel laws.
Recommendation to Pause Firings
Dellinger suggested a 45-day pause on the firings to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. While his recommendation pertained to six individuals, he expressed intentions to explore the legality of broader terminations occurring across the federal government at the directive of the Department of Government Efficiency.
Broader Implications
Not limited to the six cases, Dellinger is evaluating the situation of other probationary employees who might be in similar circumstances. His office is looking into avenues to provide relief to a larger group without necessitating individual filings.
Legal Concerns and Performance Ratings
Probationary status is common among federal workers, but Dellinger highlighted the case of a communications specialist at the Department of Energy who received high performance ratings before being terminated. He argued that dismissing probationary employees without justified cause could go against established laws governing workforce reductions.
Seeking Relief for Various Workers
Aside from the communications specialist, Dellinger sought relief for a lawyer at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a benefits analyst at the Office of Personnel Management, a program support assistant at the Education Department, a loan specialist at USDA, and a disabled U.S. Navy veteran working as a training specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Role of the Office of Special Counsel
Dellinger heads the Office of Special Counsel, an independent agency overseeing aspects of the civil service, including whistleblower protections. His recommendations will be forwarded to the Merit Systems Protection Board, which ensures merit-based employment within the government.
Trump’s attempt to remove Dellinger from his position led to legal challenges, with the case currently pending before the Supreme Court. Dellinger’s efforts to uphold federal workforce standards underscore the importance of fair employment practices.
