Government employees from the Health and Human Services department file lawsuits over inaccurate terminations
The ongoing legal saga surrounding the Health and Human Services (HHS) restructuring, which led to the firing of thousands of employees, has taken a new turn. A lawsuit filed by several affected HHS employees, as well as a group of states, is challenging the Trump administration's reduction in force (RIF) process, alleging procedural errors and potential violations of federal employment rules.
The lawsuit, filed in a D.C. district court against the HHS, the Department of Government Efficiency, and top Trump administration leaders, seeks class-action status and monetary damages for HHS employees who were let go with termination notices containing errors. The claims centre on the administration's RIF process, which has been characterised by confusion and errors.
Key points regarding the lawsuit and claims include:
- A federal judge blocked much of the Trump administration's HHS layoff plans after a lawsuit filed by 19 states and the District of Columbia challenged the massive restructuring, citing procedural errors or unlawful grounds in the RIF process.
- Legal experts have stated that HHS layoffs may be illegal, with concerns raised about the accuracy of performance ratings on RIF notices and the seemingly random codes determining employees' eligibility for the RIF.
- The lawsuits specifically question whether the administration properly followed required procedural steps or if terminations were executed unlawfully under federal employment rules. However, at this stage, rulings have mostly addressed preliminary or emergency relief rather than a final decision on the claims.
- The lawsuit alleges that the RIF process was dogged with questions about its legitimacy, with many affected staffers noting that termination notices included incorrect performance scores, office names, and other information. The claims also allege that HHS' actions violated the Privacy Act, which gives individuals recourse if an agency acts on the basis of inaccurate personnel records.
- The HHS has rescinded RIF notices for hundreds of employees, but the HHS spokesperson declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation.
This ongoing legal battle reflects a broader opposition to the administration’s RIF actions, with a federal workers’ union filing grievances against the Department of Education regarding similar firings under the Trump directive. The lawsuit is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the legality and procedure of the HHS's spring restructuring. As the case continues, it remains to be seen whether the administration will face further consequences for the RIF process.
- The ongoing lawsuit, filed against the Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Government Efficiency, and top Trump administration leaders, challenges the RIF process in the HHS restructuring and seeks class-action status and monetary damages.
- Legal experts have expressed concerns that the HHS layoffs may be illegal, with complaints about the accuracy of performance ratings on RIF notices and questionable codes determining employee eligibility.
- The lawsuit alleges that the RIF process included errors, such as incorrect performance scores, office names, and data, and that these mistakes potentially violated the Privacy Act.
- The General News and Policy-and-Legislation sectors have widely covered this lawsuit as a significant development in the debate about the legality and procedure of the HHS's spring restructuring, with implications for the healthcare and medtech industries, AI, and analytics.
- The FDA and the broader healthcare sector will closely monitor the progress of this lawsuit as it could set a precedent for future regulatory decisions and personnel actions.
