The Federal Emergency Management Agency rehires employees who were laid off at the beginning of the year

Earlier this year, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was involved in a lawsuit over not renewing contracts with some short-term employees, but the agency recently reversed its decision and began re-hiring these employees. Federal Prosecutor Craig Misaqian submitted a written document to the San Francisco Federal District Court on May 1st, stating that FEMA had contacted employees whose employment contracts expired within the first three weeks of January this year but were not renewed, offering them new positions. These employees account for about half of FEMA’s total workforce. Recently, FEMA also reinstated 14 employees who had been forced to take paid leave for eight months after signing an open letter criticizing FEMA and its higher authority, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for its “downsizing” policy.

According to the Associated Press, this policy shift indicates that current Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wain Marlin is abandoning the tough management style of his predecessor, Kristi Nomm, and may also be preparing emergency forces for upcoming events such as the Atlantic hurricane season and the U.S.-Canada-Mexico World Cup. FEMA has not disclosed the specific number of re-hired employees. A spokesperson stated on April 30th that the agency is handling related personnel arrangements to ensure a stable and reliable workforce to respond to upcoming national major events and potential disasters. (Xinhua News Agency)