TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Tampa Bay isn’t proof against the Trump Administration’s effort to cut back the federal workforce.
On Friday, U.S. Rep Kathy Castor met with a few dozen former federal staff in Tampa who got termination letters. One in all them is Michael Slattery, who was given a termination letter on Valentine’s Day.
“My termination letter stated that it was as a result of efficiency, when I’ve a efficiency evaluate that claims that is not the case,” Slattery stated.
Slattery labored as a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey in St. Petersburg from August 2024 to final month. Slattery was employed to analysis and cross alongside essential knowledge, like forecast fashions, to native and state officers earlier than and after storms. It was a place that was scheduled to final 4 years. Congress created and funded Slattery’s job, amongst others, following Hurricane Ian in 2022.
“I used to be doing it alongside different individuals, however I used to be the one with the position of speaking to the stakeholders although,” Slattery stated.
This week, President Donald Trump responded to issues that some firings have been taking place too rapidly, which pressured some reinstatements.
“When we’ve good individuals, people who’s treasured, that is crucial that we would like them to maintain the great individuals,” Trump stated.
The workplace of Rep. Castor despatched an announcement following Friday’s assembly:
“Immediately, Rep. Kathy Castor convened a roundtable dialogue with federal staff, together with some lately terminated as a part of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to dismantle the federal authorities. Rep. Castor was joined by Democracy Ahead to debate ongoing litigation associated to the wrongful termination of hundreds of staff throughout the nation, together with in Tampa Bay. The employees – some deemed “important” by their supervisors solely to be terminated by DOGE – represented MacDill AFB, NOAA, HHS, USDA, and USGS. Two of the workers have been Veterans that served our nation in uniform. They shared their tales with Rep. Castor, expressing deep frustration and confusion as Musk and Trump proceed to demean the work they devoted their lives to.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna additionally despatched an announcement:
“Sadly, too many federal staff have abused their positions, doing little work whereas receiving good pay and wonderful advantages. With $37 trillion in debt, America merely can’t afford to make use of absent or negligent staff. I assist this initiative however let me be clear: hard-working federal staff who’re assembly their job expectations shouldn’t be apprehensive about termination. With that stated, me and my workplace are dedicated to advocating for anybody who could have been wrongly fired. I’ve the utmost confidence that President Trump desires to remove systemic waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal authorities – not its greatest and brightest staff.”
