San Diego opposes federal employee firings in lawsuit

San Diego has joined 40 other cities in a lawsuit against the mass firings of probationary federal employees by the Trump administration. The city claims these firings are illegal and harm the local economy and essential services. City Attorney Heather Ferbert emphasized that the impact goes beyond those who lost their jobs, affecting veterans, seniors, and military families. A judge recently paused the firings via a preliminary injunction. The Trump administration has appealed this decision. San Diego's City Council, which is all-Democratic, recently updated its policy to allow Ferbert to join lawsuits more easily. Now, she can request legal action via email instead of needing a formal briefing session, which could delay responses. The lawsuit argues that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management does not have the authority to carry out these terminations. Labor unions representing the affected workers filed the suit, stating the firings violate federal employment protections. Ferbert said they want to protect workers and uphold proper federal employment practices. San Diego has many federal employees in critical roles across defense, healthcare, and public safety. Some employees are anxious about their job security. Ferbert acknowledged potential retaliation from the Trump administration but believes that the stakes are high enough to warrant the risk. She stated, “Some fights are worth having, and I think this one is worth having.”