In a race against time, federal employees are flooding a little-known agency—the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)—to challenge mass layoffs pushed by former President Donald Trump. Overwhelmed and understaffed, the MSPB has become a critical lifeline for workers fighting to keep their jobs amid a wave of government cuts backed by Trump and allies like Elon Musk.
The MSPB, tasked with protecting federal workers’ rights, is drowning in new cases. Last week alone, filings surged tenfold compared to recent months, with over 2,700 appeals since Trump’s return to office. Staff describe the workload as “overwhelming,” scrambling to process pleas from anxious workers who call and email nonstop. “They’re coming in faster than we can handle,” one anonymous employee admitted.
The board’s struggles are compounded by Trump’s controversial attempt to oust its Biden-appointed chairwoman, Cathy Harris. A judge recently called Trump’s move “nakedly illegal,” temporarily reinstating Harris, who faces another court battle Monday to keep her seat. Critics fear Trump’s efforts could cripple the MSPB’s independence, leaving employees with nowhere to turn.
A Beacon of Fairness in Chaos
Created in 1979 to shield federal workers from political abuse, the MSPB operates like a court for employment disputes. Workers can appeal firings, suspensions, or demotions, with judges reviewing evidence and testimony. Though underfunded—its 52millionbudgetpalesnexttoMusk’s52millionbudgetpalesnexttoMusk’s250 million Trump campaign support—the MSPB has a reputation for fairness.
“They’re a guardrail,” said former board member Mark Robbins. “They ensure hires are qualified, not just political favors.” The board’s recent decision to reinstate six workers—including a decorated disabled veteran—offered a glimmer of hope. “This is just the start,” said advocate Skye Perryman, whose group plans to challenge thousands more layoffs.
Political Games Threaten the Board’s Future
The MSPB’s three-member panel, designed to be bipartisan, is a key battleground. Trump could soon replace a Democratic member, but even a 2-1 GOP split wouldn’t immediately break its quorum. However, history looms large: During Trump’s first term, the board lacked a quorum for four years, causing a backlog of 3,800 cases. Harris has since cleared 94% of those, but staff worry history could repeat.
Workers navigating the appeals process face confusion. Laid-off probationary employees—those in trial periods—scour websites filled with “legalese,” sharing templates to file appeals. “We’re all figuring this out together,” said one CDC worker, who asked to remain anonymous.
A Test of Resilience
Despite the chaos, Harris’ temporary reinstatement has reignited hope. “It shows the system can push back,” said one fired Health Department worker. Yet the MSPB’s future hinges on courts upholding its independence. As Trump tests legal boundaries, federal employees and this obscure agency are locked in a high-stakes fight—not just for jobs, but for the integrity of the government itself.
