On Wednesday, five major unions filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to prevent what they describe as the potential mass firing of hundreds of thousands of federal employees who refuse to accept buyout offers. The unions argue that the plan violates the separation of powers by undermining Congress’ authority in creating and funding the federal workforce.
The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C. federal court, targets key figures within the Trump administration, accusing the White House and other Executive Branch officials of encroaching on legislative responsibilities. Among the plaintiffs are the United Auto Workers, the National Treasury Employees Union, the National Federation of Federal Employees, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.
Named as defendants in the case are President Donald Trump, heads of federal agencies, and officials from the Department of Defense, the Internal Revenue Service, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Office of Personnel Management.
Earlier, some unions filed similar suits aimed at blocking the buyouts. Last Monday, U.S. District Judge George O’Toole in Boston ruled to extend a temporary injunction against the buyout plan, halting its implementation while he considers whether to extend the block for a longer period. This decision provides a temporary victory to the unions, who are pushing for a permanent halt to the plan.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, President Trump directed U.S. agencies to collaborate with the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, to identify federal employees eligible for layoffs.
This move marks the latest development in an ongoing legal and political battle over federal workforce restructuring under the Trump administration.
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