NOAA Fires About 800 Employees, with More Possible Friday
The Trump administration has set its sights on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with around 800 employees being tapped for termination, according to two sources close to the agency. More layoffs are possible by the end of the week, potentially costing the agency over a thousand employees.
Impact Across Most Divisions
Most divisions of the agency, which employs scientists and specialists in weather, oceans, biodiversity, climate, and other research and planetary monitoring fields, were affected. Probationary employees, those who have been in their jobs for a year or less, were fired on Thursday.
Union Representation and Legal Options
National Weather Service employees are protected by a workers’ union, which is trying to contact affected employees. Some fired employees have said on social media that they are exploring their legal options.
Mysterious Termination Process
The people conducting the terminations seemed to have acted in a way that would minimize paper trails, making it difficult for others at the agency to know who was affected, leaving the word of firings to spread by word of mouth.
Fired Employees’ Letters
The terminated workers’ letters stated, "The Agency finds you are not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge, and/or skills do not fit the Agency’s current needs."
Understaffed and Underfunded
The National Weather Service’s mission is to "protect lives and property." The terminations are a blow to an agency that has been understaffed for years, even as the climate crisis accelerates and extreme weather becomes more frequent. Critics of the administration’s plan to slash the agency have said that layoffs will further cripple America’s ability to accurately forecast hurricanes, tornadoes, and other costly, deadly extreme weather.
Departments Impacted
Departments in which roles were terminated include the Hurricane Research Division, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, and the division that develops and improves the United States’ weather models.
Conclusion
The recent layoffs at NOAA come at a critical time, as the agency is already understaffed and underfunded. The impact on the agency’s ability to protect lives and property is likely to be significant, and the loss of experienced employees will be felt for a long time.
FAQs
Q: How many employees were fired?
A: Approximately 800 employees were fired, with more possible by the end of the week.
Q: Which departments were impacted?
A: Most divisions of the agency, including the National Weather Service, were affected.
Q: What was the reason for the terminations?
A: The agency stated that the terminated employees’ abilities, knowledge, and/or skills did not fit the Agency’s current needs.
Q: Can the affected employees appeal the decision?
A: The National Weather Service employees are protected by a workers’ union, which is trying to contact affected employees and offer support. Some fired employees have said they are exploring their legal options.
