New Bill Would Restore Fired Probationary Workers to Federal Service

Federal employees who were promoted, and then let go because they were put on probation, would be restored to service under new legislation introduced in Congress. 

The “Protect Promoted Workers Act” was introduced by Representative Johnny Olszewski (D-MD). It would require the Trump Administration to reinstate federal employees who were on probation due to a promotion, and were subsequently fired in the purge of probationary employees.

The legislation would also provide retroactive pay for probationary employees who were wrongly fired. 

It’s the first piece of legislation put forward by Representative Olszewski (D-MD) who says it was inspired by one of his constituents in his Baltimore County district. That employee, Katie Stahl, worked for the Department of Interior for six years, but was fired after a recent promotion recategorized her as being on probation. 

“This bill sends a message to President Trump, DOGE and all future Administrations that our federal workers are not expendable. This is a critical step toward restoring the integrity of federal employment and the civility owed to our civil servants,” said Representative Olszewski. 

The legislation would also give Senior Executive Service (SES) members additional protections, including at least 30 days advance written notice of any job action taken by the agency, as well as giving the employee no less than seven days to respond. 

SES employees would also be entitled to the option of a hearing, the opportunity to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), and other evidentiary rights. 

The legislation has wide support from labor groups. It was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where its status is uncertain in the Republican controlled House.