Title: The Battle Over Federal Employee Layoffs: A Legal Standoff in San Francisco The federal government shutdown has been ongoing for two weeks now, with no end in sight. In response to this crisis, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which represent over 800,000 federal workers, have taken their fight against layoffs to a San Francisco courtroom. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston is set to hear preliminary arguments in this case on Wednesday. The unions are accusing the Trump administration of using federal employees as pawns to impose political pressure on Congress and are seeking a temporary restraining order that would halt the implementation of layoffs already underway, stop the clock on the 60-day notice period, and block any additional layoff notices from being sent out. The Trump administration has argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear this case, stating that the steps taken by the president are within his authority as head of the executive branch. They believe that a pause in these actions would be inappropriate. The unions argue otherwise, claiming it is an “illegal abuse of power designed to punish patriotic civil servants and put pressure on Congress.” This legal standoff highlights the ongoing tension between labor rights advocates and those who support executive authority during times of crisis. It also raises questions about how far a president can go in using federal employees as political pawns, especially when it comes to applying pressure on Congress. The implications of this case could have long-lasting effects on future government shutdowns and the balance of power between labor unions and executive authority. As we await Judge Illston’s decision, one thing is clear: the battle over federal employee layoffs has become a significant legal showdown that will undoubtedly shape our understanding of executive power during times of crisis. It remains to be seen how this case will unfold, but it serves as an important reminder for all parties involved in these disputes – from labor unions to government officials – to consider the long-term implications and potential consequences when making decisions about federal employees’ rights and wellbeing.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/10/15/nx-s1-5574111/government-shutdown-federal-employees-congress-rif)
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