1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

The unilateral termination of federal workers by the Trump administration was illegal and harmful to vital government services. Federal judges have rightly ordered the reinstatement of over 24,000 probationary employees who were unjustly fired. Most agencies are currently reinstating these workers but inexcusably placing many on paid administrative leave rather than restoring them to active duty as mandated. This obstructionist tactic perpetuates disruptions to critical public services that Americans rely on. It's imperative that all terminated federal employees are promptly returned to their positions with full back pay and benefits in order to uphold the lawful functioning of our government institutions. The livelihoods of dedicated public servants should not be jeopardized by reactionary political agendas that undermine government effectiveness and violate worker protections. Complying with judicial orders to fully reinstate these employees is a necessary step to restoring government accountability to the people it is meant to serve.