Incredible comeback: Disabled employees, veterans, and military spouses rehired at major science agency
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Losing a job is always challenging, especially when it happens due to external circumstances.
For many employees at the National Science Foundation (NSF), this became a reality when federal budget cuts led to unexpected layoffs.
Now, following a court ruling and updated guidance from the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the NSF is reinstating dozens of employees.
The NSF, a key institution in scientific and technological advancement, faced difficult decisions when budget reductions were implemented under the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative.
While the effort aimed to streamline the federal workforce, it also led to legal challenges regarding the impact of these layoffs.
In a recent memo, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to addressing the situation.
“Last week, we received guidance from the Office of Personnel Management, which allows agencies to retain probationary employees who have an identified disability, are veterans, or are military spouses,” Panchanathan wrote.
“We started the process to reinstate those impacted probationary employees right away.”
The OPM, which oversees federal employment policies, played a key role in this decision.
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NSF leadership confirmed the reinstatements, emphasizing the contributions of these employees to the agency’s mission and to the broader fields of science, engineering, and technology.
Jesus Soriano, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3403, which represents over a thousand NSF workers, welcomed the decision.
He noted that between 84 and 86 employees could regain their positions—a significant number, given that approximately 10% of NSF staff had been affected.
A major turning point in the case was a federal judge’s temporary block on the terminations of probationary federal employees.
Judge William Alsup of the US District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the layoffs were likely unlawful and ordered the OPM to halt further actions.
For those returning to their positions, the reinstatement means not only job security but also back pay and no break in service—both critical factors for long-term career stability and benefits.
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Before the layoffs, NSF employed around 2,100 workers, with most based at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
“This is welcome news to all of us,” Panchanathan stated, acknowledging the challenges the layoffs had posed for both the employees and the agency.
Soriano added, “AFGE Local 3403 looks forward to the prompt reinstatement of the hardworking scientists and administrators affected. America cannot remain a global leader unless we invest in science, technology, and innovation.”
This decision is part of a broader conversation about workplace policies and the value of an inclusive workforce.
It also highlights the importance of ensuring that employees have the opportunity to continue contributing to their fields.
Read next: 5 alarming signs of mouth cancer you might ignore—including that loose tooth!
We’d love to hear your thoughts: Have you or someone you know faced a similar situation? What do you think this decision says about the value of experience and diversity in the workforce? Share your insights in the comments below!
For many employees at the National Science Foundation (NSF), this became a reality when federal budget cuts led to unexpected layoffs.
Now, following a court ruling and updated guidance from the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the NSF is reinstating dozens of employees.
The NSF, a key institution in scientific and technological advancement, faced difficult decisions when budget reductions were implemented under the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative.
While the effort aimed to streamline the federal workforce, it also led to legal challenges regarding the impact of these layoffs.
In a recent memo, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to addressing the situation.
Many NSF employees have been reinstated following new federal guidance, bringing relief to those affected by recent layoffs. Image Source: YouTube / NSF.
“Last week, we received guidance from the Office of Personnel Management, which allows agencies to retain probationary employees who have an identified disability, are veterans, or are military spouses,” Panchanathan wrote.
“We started the process to reinstate those impacted probationary employees right away.”
The OPM, which oversees federal employment policies, played a key role in this decision.
NSF leadership confirmed the reinstatements, emphasizing the contributions of these employees to the agency’s mission and to the broader fields of science, engineering, and technology.
Jesus Soriano, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3403, which represents over a thousand NSF workers, welcomed the decision.
He noted that between 84 and 86 employees could regain their positions—a significant number, given that approximately 10% of NSF staff had been affected.
A major turning point in the case was a federal judge’s temporary block on the terminations of probationary federal employees.
Judge William Alsup of the US District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the layoffs were likely unlawful and ordered the OPM to halt further actions.
For those returning to their positions, the reinstatement means not only job security but also back pay and no break in service—both critical factors for long-term career stability and benefits.
Federal workers participate in a demonstration regarding employment policies. Image Source: YouTube / NBC News.
Before the layoffs, NSF employed around 2,100 workers, with most based at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
“This is welcome news to all of us,” Panchanathan stated, acknowledging the challenges the layoffs had posed for both the employees and the agency.
Soriano added, “AFGE Local 3403 looks forward to the prompt reinstatement of the hardworking scientists and administrators affected. America cannot remain a global leader unless we invest in science, technology, and innovation.”
This decision is part of a broader conversation about workplace policies and the value of an inclusive workforce.
It also highlights the importance of ensuring that employees have the opportunity to continue contributing to their fields.
Read next: 5 alarming signs of mouth cancer you might ignore—including that loose tooth!
We’d love to hear your thoughts: Have you or someone you know faced a similar situation? What do you think this decision says about the value of experience and diversity in the workforce? Share your insights in the comments below!
