A federal judge has temporarily halted employee layoffs at the State Department, granting unions a crucial victory. This decision was made by Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco, who issued a temporary restraining order on December 4, 2025. The order prevents the State Department from finalizing layoffs that could affect over 200 employees, primarily Foreign Service officers.
Background on the Layoffs
The emergency request stems from a broader lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Foreign Service Association. Their goal is to block what they describe as “imminent and unlawful” reductions in force (RIFs) initiated by the State Department this summer.
Details of the Lawsuit
The unions’ amended complaint highlights that several federal agencies, including the State Department, have not complied with a provision from the spending deal that concluded a prior government shutdown. This provision prohibits any layoffs until January 30, 2026. The continuing resolution states that any RIF actions taken between October 1, 2025, and the enactment date are null and void.
- On November 12, 2025, Congress passed a continuing resolution prohibiting layoffs.
- RIFs affected over 3,600 federal employees, with the State Department sending notices to nearly 1,350 employees.
Recent Developments
The State Department plans to officially separate nearly 250 Foreign Service employees this Friday, December 5. These separations had been postponed due to medical issues and births. However, according to the unions, the continuing resolution’s protections apply to all RIF notices, not just those issued after October 1. The unions contend that this interpretation is too narrow.
State Department’s Position
The State Department asserts that the layoff protections only affect recently issued RIF notices. They argue that previous RIF notices are not included in these protections. This claim contradicts the unions’ interpretation, which insists that all layoff notices from the shutdown period must be rescinded.
The Impact on Employees
Without the temporary restraining order, affected employees and their families face potential irreparable harm, including loss of income and health insurance. This situation has created a sense of urgency, as many affected individuals are already experiencing a flooded job market.
- AFGE National President Everett Kelley stated that Congress intended to protect federal jobs during the continuing resolution period.
- AFSA President John Dinkelman emphasized the importance of following the rule of law regarding these separations.
As the situation develops, the unions remain committed to challenging the legality of these layoffs. The outcome of this case will significantly impact the future of the affected employees and the precedent it sets for similar cases.
