A federal judge has ordered the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to rescind its instructions to federal agencies to determine whether employees should be retained. The judge declared these instructions illegal and invalid. The ruling does not reinstate dismissed employees but requires OPM to inform the Department of Defense about the invalidation of expected probationary terminations. The judge emphasized that OPM has no authority to hire or fire employees within other agencies. A hearing is scheduled for further testimony from OPM’s acting director. The case highlights the government’s position on firing probationary employees and the legal obligations before doing so. The ruling is seen as a victory for federal employees and unions fighting against indiscriminate terminations.