USDA Will Reinstate Recently Cut Probationary Workers

March 11, 2025 – The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) had ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to temporarily reinstate fired probationary employees by Wednesday, and the agency confirmed in a statement that it would comply with the deadline. The MSPB, which oversees federal employment disputes, issued the directive after reviewing cases involving probationary employees who were dismissed by President Trump’s federal workforce cuts.

“By Wednesday, March 12, the Department will place all terminated probationary employees in pay status and provide each with back pay, from the date of termination,” the statement said.

Probationary employees in federal agencies typically have fewer rights than tenured employees, but they can challenge terminations under certain conditions, such as if the firing was based on prohibited personnel practices. The board’s decision signals that there may have been concerns about due process or fairness in these terminations.

The USDA’s compliance with the order means the affected employees will be reinstated while further proceedings take place. This temporary reinstatement does not necessarily indicate a final decision in their favor but allows them to continue working while their cases are fully reviewed. The situation highlights ongoing tensions over federal employment policies and workers’ rights within government agencies.

Federal agencies are required this week to submit plans to further reduce staffing.