EPA Workers Receive Termination Warning Letters Amid Workforce Cuts
EPA workers face possible termination as part of broader federal workforce reduction efforts
Some EPA workers have recently received letters notifying them of possible termination as part of the Trump administration’s push to reduce the size of the federal workforce, FOX Business has learned.
The emails, sent to around 1,100 EPA workers on Wednesday, inform employees that they are on probationary or trial status and could face immediate termination. The letters specifically mention that workers in this status may be dismissed without prior notice.
Recipients are instructed to respond only if they have one or more years of previous civilian service or are veterans. However, the agency clarifies that confirming this information doesn’t guarantee protection from termination. Each employee’s status will be reviewed individually.
The emails also explain that as probationary or trial employees, EPA workers could be dismissed immediately under the rules outlined in 5 CFR § 315.804. Employees facing termination may have the right to appeal, depending on their status and eligibility under U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) rules.
The notice comes as the Trump administration continues its effort to streamline the federal workforce, including pushing for cost-cutting measures and requiring telework employees to return to the office.
In addition, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent out a government-wide message offering buyouts to eligible federal employees. This initiative, running from January 28 to February 6, allows workers to resign with pay and benefits intact, while being exempt from in-person work requirements until September 30, 2025.
Federal employees who choose this buyout option will continue to accrue leave and retirement benefits during the deferral period, even though they are not required to work. However, military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers, and employees in specific national security or immigration roles are excluded from this program.
OPM emphasized that significant changes to the federal workforce are on the horizon, encouraging employees to consider the buyout option to secure their future.