Thousands of federal employees, mostly probationary workers, have been terminated due to budget cuts and are now facing financial struggles, emotional distress, and uncertainty about their future. What’s adding fuel to the fire is that many were let go with performance reviews or criticisms included in their termination letters.
The language used in these letters has sparked outrage among those who feel it’s not only inaccurate but also insulting. Many employees have expressed shock, anger, and sadness as they struggle to come to terms with losing their jobs, especially after just starting out.
“I felt very blessed to have this job and thoroughly loved the big responsibilities that came with it,” said Brian Gibbs, a former park ranger who lost his dream job due to budget cuts. “I’m so heartbroken. It feels like my life has been upended.”
The performance language is also being used as a form of leverage by some employees to challenge their terminations in court. They argue that highlighting their performance issues can provide them with grounds to appeal.
“It’s not possible for thousands of people to all have bad performance,” said Elena Moseyko, who was terminated from her job at the Department of Veterans Affairs despite having an excellent performance record.
The government’s stance on this issue is clear: probationary employees are unlikely to win in court if they challenge their terminations. They would need to prove discrimination on the basis of race, age, or another protected status.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain – these federal workers will not be forgotten anytime soon. Their stories serve as a reminder that even in times of budget cuts and austerity measures, real people are being affected.
“It’s like they’re saying, ‘Yeah, we need to cut all of this stuff and this excess,'” said Hayley Robinson, who was terminated from her job at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service despite just starting out. “But we’re real people. We’re not just statistics or lines on a budget sheet as they figure out how much money they can cut and save.”
The impact of these terminations will be felt for years to come, both financially and emotionally. It’s essential that those affected are heard and their voices are amplified.
“I still need to work,” said Hayley Robinson. “I still need to go find a job now.”
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/02/17/fired-federal-workers-performance-language-doge/78886104007