(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Trump Administration is withdrawing its authorization of widespread layoffs across the Federal Workforce during a Government shutdown as a result of Federal Employee Unions reaching a settlement with the Administration - which puts a pause on a lawsuit challenging widespread layoffs carried out during a 43-day Government shutdown last year. 

The lawsuit will be held in abeyance until the end of the year, giving the Unions the ability to reopen the case if another shutdown occurs, and if the Administration uses the funding lapse to terminate more Employees. 

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President Everett Kelley said the Trump Administration “tried to turn a shutdown into an excuse to fire the Public Servants who kept this country running without a paycheck on payday. We fought back, we held the line and they backed down.”

The Trump Administration threatened widespread layoffs as a bargaining chip to avoid a government shutdown last Fall and sent reduction in force notices to thousands of Federal Employees during the lapse in funding. 

RIF notices that agencies issued during last year’s 43-day Government shutdown have been rescinded and Employees separated by RIFs (Reduction In Force) issued during that period have been reinstated to their positions.

Congress passed a continuing resolution keeping the Federal Government funded through December 11th, postponing the threat of a Government shutdown until after the Mid-Term Elections. 

As part of the settlement, the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget will have 30 days to notify Agencies that earlier guidance making reductions in force a shutdown-exempt activity has been rescinded. 

Agencies will also be instructed to remove RIF authorization from their own shutdown contingency plans. 

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Shutdown mass-layoff policy rescinded as part of settlement with unions - Government Executive

AFGE File Photo.