WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal judge has decided not to block the Trump administration’s plan to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, appointed by former President Barack Obama, issued a 16-page decision stating that he lacked jurisdiction over the unions’ request for relief.
The judge explained that the unions must pursue their legal challenges through the process outlined by Congress in the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute, which governs labor relations in the federal workforce.
The unions contended that the workforce cuts would lead to increased workloads for remaining employees, lower morale, and a decline in the quality of public services.
Despite these arguments, the judge ruled against issuing an injunction to stop the administration’s plans, allowing the reduction efforts to proceed.
The Trump administration has stated that the workforce reduction is part of a broader effort to streamline federal operations, cut costs, and shift responsibilities to state and local governments.
The plan aims to reduce the size of the federal workforce as a means of increasing efficiency.
The unions have expressed concerns over job security for federal employees and the potential impact on services reliant on federal support.
They have stated their intention to pursue further legal action to protect workers’ rights.