The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on March 11, 2025, that it will reinstate all probationary employees terminated in recent weeks, following a 45-day stay order issued by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
According to the USDA statement, by Wednesday, March 12, the department will place all terminated probationary employees back in pay status and provide each with back pay from their date of termination. This decision affects approximately 6,000 employees who were let go since February 13, 2025, as part of a broader effort to curb government spending.
The MSPB, an independent federal court that handles government employee complaints, issued the stay order on March 5, citing concerns that the USDA's mass termination was potentially unlawful. The board mandated the reinstatement of all positions terminated within the department since February 13 for at least 45 days.
The National Animal Health Laboratory Network, responsible for coordinating responses to animal disease outbreaks, saw 25% of its central program office staff terminated. The USDA quickly tried to rehire the fired employees responsible for the testing and response efforts for the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak.
The USDA has committed to developing a phased plan for the employees' return to duty. In the interim, all reinstated probationary employees will receive pay while these plans are formulated.
As the USDA works to comply with the MSPB's order, questions remain about the long-term status of these employees beyond the 45-day reinstatement period. The department has not yet provided details on potential reevaluation processes or criteria for continued employment.
