GEL Partner, Kevin Owen, discussed the impact on the government shutdown on federal employees with various news outlets. Mr. Owen discussed the legality of the administration’s threats to shrink the federal workforce during the shutdown with the Washington Post as the article noted:
Owen predicted the Trump administration would end up reversing most RIF actions it tries to undertake during the shutdown. Over the past several months, Owen noted, he has represented many federal workers dismissed by Trump whose firings have since been rescinded.
Mr. Owen also appeared on BBC News to discuss the impact of the shutdown on federal workers. He told BBC:
“There’s nothing about a shutdown that requires the United States government to permanently fire employees. There’s a significant legal question as to whether agencies can actually carry out mass HR Actions without funding. During a lapse in appropriations, the federal agencies are only able to carry out a limited number of essential duties, and conducting widespread firings is not the type of action that can be legally carried out right now.”
Owen also spoke with the New York Times and was quoted as saying:
“It’s just re-traumatizing folks who have been waiting for their jobs to get cut, because they understand the administration does not believe that federal employees are important,” said Kevin Owen, an employment lawyer who is representing many of the workers who lost their jobs this year.
To learn more about the impact of the government shutdown on federal workers, visit the full publications below:
Countering Trump threats, officials warn against firings during shutdown – The Washington Post
With Scant Information, Federal Workers Brace for Possible Shutdown – The New York Times
If you are a federal worker who was impacted by the shutdown or a reduction in force, contact GEL to schedule a consultation.