Federal employee union can't block possible FEMA layoffs: Blaw

A federal employees’ union has not succeeded in obtaining a court order to block potential layoffs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). At a hearing on June 24, 2026, Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California indicated she would likely deny the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) request for a preliminary injunction. The judge noted that FEMA has offered to rehire some of the affected on-call responders, reducing the urgency of the union’s request.

The AFGE and other groups had challenged the administration’s decision to reduce FEMA’s workforce, arguing that compromise the agency’s ability to respond to natural disasters and emergencies. The Department of Homeland Security announced plans to cut FEMA’s workforce significantly, including 41% reduction in CORE staff, which constitutes the majority of FEMA’s workforce.

While the administration has agreed to reinstate some workers, the AFGE has stated it will continue to pursue the case to ensure FEMA remains adequately staffed. The outcome of this legal challenge could have implications for federal workforce management and disaster preparedness funding.