IRS Reinstates Fired Employees but Keeps Them on Paid Leave
The IRS is reinstating thousands of probationary employees it previously fired, but instead of returning to work, they’ve been placed on paid administrative leave. The decision follows recent court rulings ordering the Treasury Department to rehire these workers. However, uncertainty remains as ongoing legal battles and possible future layoffs loom.
Employees who received reinstatement emails were told they are officially back in federal service but must not report to work until further notice. Many of them remain skeptical about whether they will actually return to their jobs, as the IRS faces potential additional workforce reductions after tax season.
The IRS terminated approximately 6,500 probationary employees last month as part of broader workforce reductions. The Biden administration immediately appealed the court’s injunction ordering their reinstatement, calling it unconstitutional. Additionally, reports suggest the IRS plans to cut 20% of its workforce, although estimates on the exact number of layoffs vary.
For many reinstated employees, the back pay is the only benefit of returning. Some are using the time to job hunt, fearing they’ll soon be let go again. Others, who were weeks away from completing their probationary periods before being fired, hope their non-probationary status will protect them from the upcoming Reduction in Force (RIF).
Doreen Greenwald, National Treasury Employees Union president, criticized the government’s handling of the situation, calling it chaotic and disrespectful. She urged agencies to act quickly to bring employees back to work rather than keeping them on indefinite leave.
IRS managers and industry experts warn that further layoffs could significantly impact customer service. With staffing reductions already in place, taxpayers may experience longer wait times and processing delays, especially during peak tax season.
With another round of workforce cuts expected in May, the fate of reinstated employees remains uncertain. Many are left wondering if they will return to a stable job or simply be terminated once again.
How do you feel about the IRS’s handling of workforce reductions? Do you think these reinstated employees will get to keep their jobs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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