Preparations for large-scale dismissals escalate within the State Department, despite court-imposed injunction still in effect

The State Department is gearing up for significant changes, with around 3,400 employees expected to be impacted by the reductions. This includes the elimination or consolidation of more than 300 offices, and approximately 2,000 employees still facing layoffs.

In a bid to prepare for potential Reductions in Force (RIFs), the department has taken several steps. Civil service employees have been asked to upload their resumes and ensure their personnel file information is accurate. The department has also rewritten its rules for issuing RIFs, with the updated Foreign Affairs Manual specifically accounting for employees' "specific post, region, or bureau."

The department has created nearly 800 new "competitive areas" for RIFs. However, the court's order prohibits any action related to the State Department's reorganization, issued by California-based District Judge Susan Illston. The Justice Department attorney has confirmed that the State Department was scheduled to issue RIF notices on June 14 but will comply with the court's order.

If the department has doubts about whether an action is enjoined, it should seek approval from the court. The department has maintained the right to lump together employees for layoffs based on skillsets or other groupings.

The Supreme Court's ruling could impact the implementation of layoffs in various agencies, implying that other government agencies are also taking similar steps. Agencies across the government are preparing for potential layoffs, with the State Department planning its layoffs and changes.

The department has given itself more leeway to provide less than the standard 120-day notice for foreign service officers. If the Supreme Court overturns the injunction, it could clear the department of any legal uncertainty, allowing it to proceed with RIFs and reorganization, or it could choose to wait until any injunction lifts or receives direct authorization from Congress.

Among those expected to be laid off are around 700 foreign service officers currently in domestic posts. The court clerk who issued the order preventing the State Department from carrying out the planned dismissals is not specified in the available information.

These developments underscore the ongoing reorganisation efforts within the State Department and the potential impact of court rulings on the implementation of layoffs in various agencies.