Tens of Thousands of Probationary Federal Employees are Being Laid Off—What it Means for New Jersey

A major effort is underway to reform federal agencies. As reported by CNN, the Trump Administration terminated tens of thousands of probationary employees across dozens of agencies and sub-agencies. Workers all across the country are feeling the effects—not just in the District of Columbia. Indeed, the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reports that there are nearly 25,000 federal employees in New Jersey. Here, our New Jersey employment lawyer provides a more comprehensive overview of what we know.

 Background: What is a Probationary Federal Employee? 

To start, it is important to understand what a “probationary” employee is in this context. Federal employees have considerable protections against removal—but they do not apply immediately upon hiring. Probationary federal employees are workers in the initial phase of their federal employment. They typically are required to undergo a one-year trial period. Though, with some positions, a two-year trial period is required to complete probation. During this time, their performance and conduct are evaluated to determine their suitability for continued employment. Probationary employees generally have limited job protections and appeal rights.

Many Probationary Employees Have Been Terminated By Agencies

 Led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Trump Administration is restructuring many agencies. It is currently in the process of reducing the numbers of employees—and tens of thousands of probationary workers have been let go. As one example, the Department of Energy—which has workers stationed throughout the country, including in New Jersey—announced the layoff of approximately 2,000 probationary employees. Virtually every federal agency and sub-agency has already announced or is expected to announce some form of layoffs of probationary workers.

Litigation is Expected, Affected Federal Workers May Have a Claim 

The mass termination of probationary employees has prompted legal challenges and discussions about potential claims by affected workers. Democratic attorneys general from 14 states have sought a temporary restraining order to prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive data and terminating federal employees. They are arguing that these actions exceed lawful authority. Additionally, many workers could have individual claims.

Indeed, probationary federal employees are not entirely without rights. For example, imagine that a probationary work at a federal agency office location in New Jersey was terminated as part of the layoff. However, not all probationary employees in that office were removed. Further, the imagine that the hypothetical employee in question has recently reported sexual harassment by a supervisor. He or she may have a viable retaliation claim even dispute probationary status.

 Speak to Our New Jersey Employment Law Attorney Today

At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, our New Jersey employment lawyers are committed to protecting the rights and interests of clients. If you are a federal employee with any questions about your rights, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential initial consultation. With a law office in Monmouth County, we represent employees throughout all of New Jersey and in New York.

Source:

.cnn.com/2025/02/14/politics/probationary-federal-employees-agencies-firings-doge/index.html