Were You a Probationary Federal Employee Let Go in February? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Apr 22, 2025If you were one of the many probationary federal employees dismissed this past February, your situation may feel uncertain, disorienting—even unfair. Recent courtroom developments, however, offer a glimmer of truth, validation, and perhaps hope.
In what some are calling a “February purge,” over 17,000 federal probationary employees were fired. Now, a U.S. District Court judge has taken a striking step: ordering agencies to issue letters by May 8th, clearly stating that your termination had nothing to do with performance. That’s a monumental admission. Even as the Supreme Court pauses certain reinstatement efforts, a new plaintiff—AFGE—has kept the court’s demand for transparency alive.
Agencies such as Commerce and NOAA are still letting employees go—some even retroactively to February. Others are labeling staff “critical,” denying paid leave, yet not assigning work. While this turmoil unfolds, the Office of Special Counsel—often a lifeline for whistleblowers and unfairly treated employees—has been weakened by internal shakeups and lacks jurisdiction in this mass firing.
Mindful Action Steps for Federal Employees
In times of rapid agency change and legal complexity, staying calm is crucial. Mindfulness helps you slow down, breathe, and respond with purpose rather than panic. Here's how to move forward:
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Check your mailbox and email between May 8–15.
These letters, if issued, could clean your OPF (Official Personnel Folder), paving the way for future security clearance, USAJobs applications, and even back pay claims. -
Didn’t receive a letter? File a Privacy Act request.
You have the right to see what’s in your file. -
Track any second notices or re-terminations.
Document the date, reason, and who signed it. If the reason is “budget,” that could open the door for an MSPB or federal court appeal, since probationary employees can only be let go for performance or conduct.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
We know the weight of agency changes, instability, and wrongful discipline. That’s why we created The Mindful Federal Employee Power Hub Membership—a community designed to help you stay grounded, informed, and protected. Inside, you’ll find legal insights, mindfulness resources, and access to support that honors both your federal rights and your personal well-being.
Whether you’re fighting to restore your federal career or finding peace in your next step, you deserve clarity and respect. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated—and if this article resonates with your experience, share it with a colleague who may need it.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.