132 FAA employees reinstated after unlawful firings

A Maryland court has ordered the reinstatement of 132 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees who were fired on Valentine's Day. The employees, part of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union, will return to their jobs on March 20 and will receive back pay for the time they were out of work. The employees were dismissed as part of cost-cutting measures by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. PASS stated the terminations were made without cause and did not relate to performance or conduct. David Spero, the union's national president, described the reinstatement as a positive outcome for both public safety and the workforce. Spero expressed concerns about the negative impact of personnel cuts on the FAA's ability to ensure air travel safety. He highlighted that confusion over job terminations and encouraged resignations were demoralizing for workers. Staff shortage and outdated systems also pose challenges for the FAA's operations. Additionally, Sean Duffy, the Secretary of Transportation, has focused on alleged issues relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hires at the FAA. He announced plans to investigate these claims, stressing the need for qualified candidates over "buzzword" hires. The federal workforce is currently facing significant changes and scrutiny.