NIOSH Employees Reinstated After Legal Ruling and Political Pressure Halt Layoffs
More than 100 NIOSH workers in West Virginia are back on the job after a federal injunction and bipartisan advocacy reversed controversial layoffs tied to a federal restructuring plan.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- May 16, 2025
In a dramatic reversal, over 100 employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Morgantown, West Virginia, have been permanently reinstated following their earlier layoffs. The decision comes amid growing political pressure and a recent federal court ruling that challenged the legality of the terminations.
The employees, many of whom are experts in occupational health and respiratory disease prevention, were initially laid off as part of a broader federal workforce reduction initiative under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Their work had focused on the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program, which provides screenings and protections for coal miners at risk of black lung disease.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) was instrumental in securing the reversal. After direct discussions with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Capito announced that the workers would return to their positions, citing the vital role they play in safeguarding miner health.
"These dedicated professionals are on the front lines of protecting our miners," said Capito. "Reinstating them ensures that this critical work continues uninterrupted."
The reinstatement follows a May 14 preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Irene Berger, which found that HHS lacked the authority to dismantle the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program. The injunction mandates not only the return of nearly 200 employees but also the full restoration of the program's services.
Health Secretary Kennedy confirmed the decision, noting that the department would comply with the court's ruling and continue to evaluate its restructuring plans. He is scheduled to testify before Congress in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the move has drawn support from across the political spectrum. Representative Greg Landsman (D-OH), joined by over 110 House Democrats, sent a letter to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy urging full reinstatement of all affected NIOSH personnel.
Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA) also condemned the layoffs as "reckless," emphasizing the significance of NIOSH's research in high-risk industries such as mining and firefighting.
The reinstatement of NIOSH workers represents a major win for occupational safety advocates and underscores the importance of federal oversight in worker health protections.
As of now, operations at the Morgantown facility are resuming, with many employees returning to their posts and resuming critical health surveillance activities for coal miners across the region.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.