I want to bring your attention to a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by a federal judge on May 6, 2025, which directly impacts not only the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) but also a broad range of federal agencies.
This TRO is in response to the sweeping implementation of Executive Order 14210 and the associated February 26, 2025 OMB/OPM Memorandum, which threatened collective bargaining rights and job security across the federal workforce.
Key outcomes of the court’s order:
- The VA and other agencies are temporarily barred from taking any actions to implement or enforce Sections 3(c) and 3(e) of Executive Order 14210 or the OMB/OPM memo.
- This includes halting:
- Approval of Agency Restructuring and Reorganization Plans (ARRPs) or waiver of required Reduction in Force (RIF) notice periods.
- Any orders from the Domestic Policy Council (DOGE) to reduce staff or eliminate programs.
- Execution of existing RIF notices, new RIF actions, placing staff on administrative leave, or transferring agency functions.
- The TRO is in effect for 14 days, through Friday, May 23, 2025, unless extended by the court.
Agencies affected by the order include: OMB, OPM, DOGE, USDA, Commerce, Energy, HHS, HUD, Interior, Labor, State, Treasury, Transportation, VA, AmeriCorps, EPA, GSA, NLRB, NSF, SBA, and SSA.
Additionally, the court has ordered OMB and OPM to turn over documents related to ARRPs and RIF waiver requests by 4:00 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, and all defendants must file sworn declarations by 3:00 p.m. PDT the same day.
This case—filed by AFGE—is a critical defense of our legal rights, job protections, and bargaining power. We will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as the case moves toward a hearing on a preliminary injunction.
This TRO is a direct result of our union’s commitment to defending your rights. Stay informed, stay involved—and know that your union is fighting for you.