FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Nick Voutsinos, nvoutsinos@afscme.org
Tim Kauffman, tim.kauffman@afge.org
Erik Molvar, emolvar@westernwatersheds.org
Emily Thompson, Emily_Thompson@protectnps.org
Christian Hall, press@statedemocracydefenders.
Matt Corridoni, matt.corridoni@votevets.org
Cade Cannedy, cade.cannedy@crcommunities.org
Naveed Shah, naveed@commondefense.us
April 8, 2025
Coalition Statement Responding to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling
Public Service Unions, Small Business, Veterans and Conservation Organizations and Rule of Law Advocates Vow to Continue Fight
WASHINGTON – In response to today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court granting the government’s request for a stay of the preliminary injunction against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) blocking the firings of thousands of federal workers, the coalition of plaintiffs and co-counsel in the case released the following statement:
“There is no doubt that thousands of public service employees were unlawfully fired in an effort to cripple federal agencies and their crucial programs that serve millions of Americans every day. Today’s order by the U.S. Supreme Court is deeply disappointing but is only a momentary pause in our efforts to enforce the trial court’s orders and hold the federal government accountable.
“Despite this setback, our coalition remains unwavering in fighting for these workers who were wronged by the administration, and in protecting the freedoms of the American people. In fact, plaintiffs will be back in court tomorrow developing alternative grounds for relief. This battle is far from over. “
The plaintiffs in this case consist of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Main Street Alliance; the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks; the Common Defense Civic Engagement; the Western Watersheds Project; AFGE Local 1216; AFGE Local 2110; VoteVets; and United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP); American Public Health Association; American Geophysical Union; the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO; Climate Resilient Communities; and Point Blue Conservation Science.
The plaintiffs are represented by the law firm of Altshuler Berzon LLP and the State Democracy Defenders Fund (SDDF). The state of Washington is represented by the Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown.
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The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing more than 800,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ (AFSCME) 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.
The Main Street Alliance champions the voices of small business owners to create a thriving economy. We cultivate a network of entrepreneurs, connecting them with resources to build sustainable enterprises. Our membership drives state and federal policymaking that gives a fair shot to small businesses and strengthens communities nationwide.
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks represents over 3,700 current, former, and retired employees and volunteers of the National Park Service, with over 50,000 collective years of stewardship of America’s most precious natural and cultural resources. More information can be found at protectnps.org.
Western Watersheds Project is a unionized nonprofit conservation group dedicated to protecting and restoring wildlife and watersheds throughout the American West.
American Geophysical Union is the world’s largest association of Earth and space scientists.
Common Defense Civic Engagement (“CommonDefense.us”) is a grassroots membership organization of progressive veterans, military families, and civilian supporters standing up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence. Common Defense invests in the leadership of its members through training and deployment in campaigns that connect directly to their history of service, including voting rights, climate justice, and anti-militarism. Approximately 33,187 of Common Defense’s members live in California, including approximately 2,000 veterans.
VoteVets uses public issue campaigns to relentlessly lift up the voices of veterans on matters of national security, veterans’ care, and everyday issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families.
United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP)represents more than 40,000 registered nurses and other health care professionals.
Climate Resilient Communities is a grassroots, environmental justice organization working in the redlined and segregated communities of East Palo Alto, the Belle Haven Neighborhood, and North Fair Oaks. CRC’s work addresses the immediate needs of people living in heavily polluted neighborhoods by distributing air purifiers for children and elders with medical conditions, enrolling vulnerable families in utility payment assistance programs, making vital home safety repairs for low-income residents, and providing education and resources to help communities weather escalating climate disasters.
Altshuler Berzon LLP is a California law firm that focuses on providing legal representation in the service of economic justice and the public interest. The law firm represents clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts and before administrative agencies.State Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.
