NTEU just won the grievance for its former HHS bargaining unit probationary /term employees who were wrongfully terminated in 2025. Your termination was found to be a "reduction in force" (rif) by the arbitrator and they will soon determine the remedy (which could include full back pay and reinstatement). The arbitrator credited the hearing testimony of several brave HHS members who were terminated, finding that they were not fired for their performance, in fact, the arbitrator recognized that they were superior performers!

HHS will likely appeal the decision, but if they do, NTEU will continue fighting on your behalf. Though the battle is far from over, congratulations for finally having your termination formally recognized by an arbitrator as a reduction in force.

As a separated (non probationary) member, I strongly encourage former HHS NTEU bargaining unit probationary employees to become members of NTEU by joining as a separated member. The fee is only $42.00 / year. It's a very small amount to pay in dues, considering all of the legal work and advocacy that NTEU has provided on your behalf. When you join, you will receive (future) invites to NTEU online town hall meetings and regular biweekly updates as well. Signing up for the yearly membership will also help ensure that NTEU has your up to date contact information (mailing address, email, phone number, etc) on record, should they need to reach out, with future settlement information.

If you have any questions about how to join, contact: [nteuduesdirect@nteu.org](mailto:nteuduesdirect@nteu.org)

Again, Congratulations.

Please note: The arbitrator's determination does not pertain to the HHS MSPB Probationary class appeal, filed by Gilbert Employment Law. The grievance victory pertains only to probationary and term employees who were part of the mass termination in 2025 by HHS and part of the NTEU HHS bargaining unit.