The National Park Service, which has been ordered to reinstate roughly 1,000 probationary employees fired in February, told park superintendents Wednesday morning to wait until they receive further instructions from Washington headquarters before contacting those workers.
Park Service staff in Washington indicated to the Traveler that the Trump administration might appeal the order to the Supreme Court.
U.S. District Judge William Alsup last Thursday ruled that the terminations were illegal because the Office of Personnel Management had no authority to order them. On Monday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, with a 2-1 ruling, denied the Trump administration's request to stay that order involving Interior Department employees.
Emails sent out Wednesday morning from regional Park Service offices to park superintendents noted the judge's order to rehire the fired workers, but asked that they "refrain from contacting these employees or taking any action until we receive further instructions" from headquarters.
"The NPS has received direction to rescind the termination of our probationary employees, and HR is currently processing this directive. [Headquarters] is developing additional guidance, which will be provided soon," the emails said.
Park Service staff in Washington told the Traveler in an email that the Interior Department "remains committed to its mission of managing the nation’s resources and serving the American people while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The Department will comply with the court’s order while the White House works through the appeals process."
Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places
