On March 18, the federal government filed a response to U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup’s request for information regarding the status of rehired federal probationary employees. In the request for information, Judge Alsup stated, “The court has read news reports that, in at least one agency, probationary employees are being rehired but then placed on administrative leave en masse,” which the judge asserted would conflict with the intent of a previously issued preliminary injunction.

The federal government stated it was adhering to judicial orders. It clarified the use of administrative leave was not intended to “skirt” the requirement of reinstatement. Instead, it is part of a structured process to fully reinstate probationary employees. Sixteen federal agencies submitted declarations further backing the intent of using administrative leave as an interim step necessary to return these employees to full duty status.

The federal government stated it intends to provide a status update about the return of probationary employees to full duty status by March 28.