Mass Layoffs Blocked again – But the Fight Isn't Over
- AFGE 2883 Executive Committee
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Ninth Circuit Protects Federal Workers—For Now
On May 30, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Trump Administration’s request to immediately move forward with massive layoffs of federal workers. The court kept in place a lower court’s order that blocked these reductions in force (RIFs), which aimed to eliminate tens of thousands of jobs—including many at CDC and other public health agencies.
This is a major win for AFGE and public servants across the country. The ruling protects jobs while our legal case continues.
What the Court Said
The Ninth Circuit’s majority decision made several key points:
The administration failed to show any emergency that would justify lifting the pause on layoffs.
Congress—not the President—has the authority to restructure agencies or cut federal jobs at this scale.
The government has no right to claim harm simply because it must continue paying employees whose positions were funded by Congress.
These actions threaten to eliminate critical public services that communities rely on.
Importantly, the court also found that our union had the right to bring this case directly to federal court, rather than only being able to go through agency-specific channels like the Merit Systems Protection Board or the grievance process.
Read the 9th Circuit's full ruling.
Here Comes the Next Round: Emergency Appeal to the Supreme Court
Just hours after the Ninth Circuit ruling, the Trump Administration filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, asking for a stay (pause) of the lower court’s injunction so they can move forward with the layoffs.
Here’s what you need to know:
Justice Elena Kagan is the Circuit Justice for this case and will review the emergency application first.
The AFGE legal team and co-plaintiffs must respond by June 9.
After that, Justice Kagan can either:
Decide the matter herself,
Or refer the request to the full Supreme Court for a vote.
A decision on the emergency appeal could come as early as mid-June—possibly within a few days of June 9, depending on the Court’s docket.
This emergency appeal does not decide the full case. It only determines whether the layoffs can go forward immediately while the larger legal challenge continues.
Follow the Supreme Court's full emergency appeals docket.
What Happens Next
By June 9: AFGE and others will file a legal response with the Supreme Court.
Mid-June: The Supreme Court could decide whether to allow the layoffs to move forward or keep them blocked until the case is fully heard.
Beyond June: The full legal case continues in the Ninth Circuit. More rulings will follow.
We’re fighting this battle at every level. And we’ll keep fighting—for your job, your safety, and the services Americans count on.
Why This Still Matters to You
This isn’t just a legal fight. It’s about our ability to do our jobs, serve the public, and provide for our families.
The President cannot erase public health protections, veterans’ care, and Social Security services just because he wants to “streamline government.” Congress never approved these cuts—and the courts are beginning to recognize that.
AFGE and our allies are making the case that these layoffs are unlawful, harmful, and unconstitutional. And so far, the courts are listening.
TAKE ACTION
Stay informed. Talk to your coworkers. Come to the next union meeting. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Take a look at these resources:
The Federal Employee Briefing for June 3, 2025—A resource and for federal employees and legal analysis on related cases.
AFGE Local 2883's Terminated/RIF GUIDANCE
Together, we’re stronger than any attack on our jobs.
AFGE – Unity. Empowerment. Progress.
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