Federal Judge halts planned layoffs amid shutdown

A federal judge in San Francisco on Wednesday ordered the Trump administration to halt planned layoffs of federal workers tied to the ongoing government shutdown, granting a temporary restraining order sought by federal labor unions. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston issued the emergency order after agencies began issuing reduction‑in‑force notices last week that the administration said were part of a broader effort to shrink the federal workforce during the shutdown that began Oct. 1.

Illston’s order bars the government from issuing new layoff notices or implementing those already sent to employees represented by the unions while the court considers the unions’ lawsuit. Court filings and union statements show more than 4,100 workers received notices Friday, and administration officials have warned the total at risk could reach into the thousands more. Illston said she expected another hearing within about two weeks to decide whether a longer injunction is warranted.

Union leaders had asked the court to intervene, arguing the notices are unprecedented in past shutdowns, violate federal employment law and are being used as leverage in budget talks. The unions maintain the notices...