Federal Judge Allows Trump Admin Buyout Program to Continue

The Epoch Times Header

The judge had issued a temporary hold on the program.

A federal judge has removed a block he had previously placed on the Trump administrationโ€™s buyout program for federal workers and denied unionsโ€™ request for further relief.

Massachusetts Judge George O’Toole said in a Feb. 12 order that the plaintiffs lacked standing and the court did not have subject matter jurisdiction over their claims.

According to the White House, at least 70,000 federal workers have accepted the buyout offer that came as part of the โ€œFork in the Roadโ€ plan allowing employees to take a deferred resignation with months of pay.

โ€œThe unions do not have the required direct stake in the Fork Directive, but are challenging a policy that affects others, specifically executive branch employees,โ€ Oโ€™Toole said. โ€œThis is not sufficient.โ€

His order indicated that aggrieved employees should bring claims through the administrative process. โ€œThat the unions themselves may be foreclosed from this administrative process does not mean that adequate judicial review is lacking,โ€ he said.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), one of the union plaintiffs, criticized the ruling in a statement.

โ€œTodayโ€™s ruling is a setback in the fight for dignity and fairness for public servants,โ€ AFGE National President Everett Kelley said in a press release. Kelley added that โ€œAFGEโ€™s lawyers are evaluating the decision and assessing next steps.โ€

Oโ€™Tooleโ€™s decision came two days after a Feb. 10 hearing in Boston, where the Department of Justice (DOJ) and an attorney for the unions argued before Oโ€™Toole. At that time, Oโ€™Toole said he would maintain a block he imposed on Feb. 6 until he made a decision on further relief.

A senior administration official said in a statement to The Epoch Times that the buyout program was closed as of 7 p.m.

โ€œThere is no longer any doubt: the Deferred Resignation Program was both legal and a valuable option for federal employees,โ€ the official said.

โ€œThis program was carefully designed, thoroughly vetted, and provides generous benefits so federal workers can plan for their futures.โ€

Mark Tapscott contributed to this report.

Byย Sam Dorman

Read Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Columns

9 Things to Know About UK Supreme Court Ruling on Sex, Gender

Britainโ€™s highest court has ruled that the words โ€œwomanโ€ and โ€œsexโ€ refer to โ€œa biological woman and biological sex,โ€ in a landmark decision.

Was Pope Francis the Worst Pope Ever?

It has been said the recently passed 266th Pope...

LGBTQโ„ข Roundup: Groomers Gone Wild, Pt. II

Trans activist gets triggered by BBC reporter telling him he can't use womenโ€™s toilets, according to UK Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of women.

In Trade War, Chinaโ€™s Chokehold on US Medicine Moves Into Spotlight

Chinaโ€™s iron grip on supply of critical drug ingredients has been years in the making, driven by Beijingโ€™s strategic plan to dominate the pharma industry

College Footballโ€™s Spring rite

The Blue-White game, with the antiquated press box and a large section of the west stands now history and under renovation, marches on, but for how long?

News

Judge Blocks Trump Admin Effort to Remove DEI From Public Schools

Before deadline for states to certify DEI programs have ended in public schools, a federal court halted Trump adminโ€™s requirement, siding with NEA teachersโ€™ union.

Trumpโ€™s Agenda Faces Pushback Amid Legal Battles

Trump faces onslaught of challenges to his agenda, some reaching the nationโ€™s highest court and could ultimately shape US legal landscape.

Texas Governor Signs โ€˜Texas DOGEโ€™ Into Law to Cut Regulations, Boost Government Efficiency

Texas Gov. Abbott signed Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act to streamline govt processes and reduce regulatory burden on businesses and residents.

Federal Judge Blocks Trumpโ€™s Directive to Require Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration

A judge on April 24 blocked President Trumpโ€™s ordering that officials require people provide proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote.

24-Year-Old Highland Park Shooter Sentenced to Life In Prison

A man who shot and killed a slew of people at a 2022 Fourth of July parade north of Chicago was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.

Man Charged With Arson in New Jersey Pine Barrens Fire, Officials Say

Authorities have charged a man with arson for allegedly sparking a large fire currently ongoing in the New Jersey Pine Barrens area.

Trump Admin Asks Supreme Court to Allow Prohibition on Troops With Gender Dysphoria

Trump admin is asking Supreme Court to halt federal judgeโ€™s order preventing it from implementing policy disqualifying individuals with gender dysphoria.

New Mexico Supreme Court Bans Former Judge From Exercising Judicial Authority

NM Supreme Court barred former judge from exercising judicial authority in future amid reports alleged TdA gang member was arrested living on his property.
spot_img

Related Articles