Cnn
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Dozens of layoffs began in federal agencies, with layoffs of probationary employees underway at the Ministry of Education and Small Business Administration, CNN and unions told CNN on Wednesday.
The layoffs mark the first of the Trump administration, President Donald Trump and the Elon Musk government ministry, aim to considerably reduce the federal workforce. Until now, federal employees of all government agencies had only been placed in paid administrative leave.
This decision comes the same day as federal judge enabled the Administration’s deferred resignation program to continue. About 77,000 employees accepted the offer, which generally allows them to leave their jobs but to be paid at the end of September.
A letter of form sent to employees of the Ministry of Education, obtained by CNN, informing them of their dismissal said: “The agency finds, according to your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your new job in The agency would be in the public interest. “”
At the Ministry of Education, layoffs had an impact on employees through the agency of the Advocate General at the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services which supports programs for disabled children, at Federal Student Aid Office, a union source said at CNN.
The source said it had heard dozens of employees who were dismissed, but the complete scope of layoffs was not immediately clear.
The US Federation of Government employees represents around 160 employees of the Ministry of Education who fall under probationary status.
Letters similar to the notice of dismissal of the Ministry of Education were sent to employees of small businesses on Tuesday. The complete scale of the agency’s dismissals was not clear on Wednesday evening.
Friday and Monday, Small Business Administration Probation employees received a notice for dismissal in terms of employment, according to email from the internal agency examined by CNN.
Later Monday, the agency sent another email advising employees that the draft opinion “was sent by mistake – and as such, it is not currently in force”.
“If you receive the initial opinion, your job has not been terminated, as indicated by mistake in the initial opinion,” continued the email.
Notice for dismissal were then sent to probationary employees the next day, according to the union representing employees.
The dismissal of probation employees has been underway since the day of the inauguration, when the head of the personnel management office sent a note to all agencies ordering them to compile a list of all their probation employees and send it to the office. The memo of January 20 noted that it is easier to terminate these employees.
However, the OPM has informed agencies that they do not have to reduce all probationary workers, but should focus on those who have been underperformed. CBS News first pointed out the opinion.
“The Trump administration encourages agencies to use the probationary period as planned: as a continuation of the job application process, and not a right for permanent employment,” said McLaurine Pinover, OPM spokesperson , in a press release.
Releases are part of the multi-ordeal efforts of the administration to reduce the size of the federal workforce. In addition to the delayed resignation offer, Trump began the planning process for generalized layoffs on Tuesday when he signed An executive decree To say the agency’s leaders to start preparations for strength reductions or RIFs.
The president also hopes to push federal employees who work completely at a distance or remotely remotely forced them to return to the full -time office. In addition, he has Targeted federal employees Involved in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives and the Department of Education, the American Agency for International Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Office.
This story has been updated with additional details.