Hundreds of EPA employees were fired. Then some were told that it was a mistake.

J. David Ake/Getty Images

• Hundreds of Environmental Protection Agency probationary employees were fired on Friday.
• But some staff at the EPA were told Wednesday they were fired by accident.
• Similar scenes have rep...

  Federal Probationary Employee Terminations: Mass Firings and Rescissions

  

  J. David Ake/Getty Images

  Mass Terminations at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  On February 14, hundreds of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) probationary employees received emails notifying them of their termination. However, five days later, the EPA sent out emails to some of them, stating that they were not being fired after all.

  Rescission of Termination Orders

  The EPA acknowledged the error and apologized for the inconvenience caused. The rescinded termination emails instructed employees to return any previously surrendered EPA equipment to their supervisors for retrieval.

  Reasons Behind the Firings and Rescissions

  The termination of probationary employees is a common practice within the federal government during their one-year probationary period. These employees can be terminated more easily than permanent staff during this period. The EPA confirmed that it had terminated 388 probationary employees, representing approximately 9.6% of its workforce with less than a year of tenure.

  Similar Events at Other Federal Agencies

  Reports have emerged of similar terminations and subsequent rescissions at other federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration, the Department of Energy, and the US Department of Agriculture.

  Reactions from Affected Employees

  Some affected employees expressed relief and gratitude for the rescission of their termination orders. They expressed a desire to return to their duties. However, others expressed anger and frustration, questioning the validity of the firing process.

  Ongoing Layoffs and Expected Future Terminations

  The federal government initiated a wave of layoffs targeting probationary employees last week, with additional layoffs expected this week. These terminations are part of a broader effort to reduce government spending.