Unions say White House plans mass layoff at Interior Department, despite court order

"Unions representing federal employees say the Trump administration is planning to conduct mass firings at the Interior Department despite a court order temporarily blocking layoffs during the shutdown. The disclosure came amid a legal fight between the administration and two federal employee unions the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees which sued to block what they call "politically driven RIFs," or reductions in force."

"In a declaration filed with the court late Thursday, the plaintiffs' attorney Danielle Leonard wrote that "multiple credible sources" said that the Interior Department was actively preparing to lay off thousands of employees starting Monday. "This immediately raised concerns regarding compliance with this Court's order," Leonard wrote in a declaration. When the plaintiffs asked government lawyers about the claim Thursday afternoon, a Justice Department attorney responded that "consistent with the Court's order, we will produce the required information tomorrow.""

"In response, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston agreed to move up the deadline she had imposed on the government to provide the court with "an accounting of all RIFs, actual or imminent, that are enjoined by this [temporary restraining order]." Illston has now asked the government to provide, by 2 p.m. ET Friday, details on the number of employees affected and a description of the programs and activities targeted for cuts."

Federal employee unions allege the administration plans mass firings at the Interior Department despite a court order temporarily enjoining shutdown-related layoffs. Plaintiffs' attorney Danielle Leonard declared that multiple credible sources reported Interior was preparing to lay off thousands starting Monday, prompting concerns about compliance with the court's order. A Justice Department attorney said required information would be produced the following day. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston accelerated a government deadline to provide an accounting of all RIFs and ordered details by 2 p.m. ET Friday on affected employee numbers and programs targeted for cuts. Earlier filings showed RIF activity at eight agencies affecting just over 4,000 people, with roughly 800 HHS notices issued in error.

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