Protests Erupt in Flagstaff Over Federal Worker Layoffs
On Monday, Flagstaff’s city hall lawn became the site of a large protest as over 500 individuals gathered to voice their disapproval of recent federal worker layoffs under the Trump administration. The full impact of these job losses on northern Arizona remains uncertain.
Demonstrators donned apparel featuring logos from various federal agencies affected by these layoffs. Among them was Jim Landahl, whose hat was marked with the word “terminated” on a piece of duct tape. Landahl, a former employee at Grand Canyon National Park, expressed his deep connection to the area, stating, “It’s more than a job. I care about the Grand Canyon region very deeply. This area in northern Arizona. I have family out here. And you look at your national parks and it’s a natural, wonderful, but it’s also a human-driven wonder. It takes people.”
Landahl’s employment at the park has been terminated, and as his home in Grand Canyon Village is linked to his job, he now faces the possibility of losing his housing. He noted the profound effect the layoffs have had on the small community, which mainly consists of national park employees. “It’s sent a shockwave through the town itself. And I think everybody is rallying around this first wave of cuts because people are expecting more. So we’re all banding together, and we all are sticking up for our little town,” he explained.
Having worked at the park since 2022, Landahl’s full-time position ended following an administration directive for federal agencies to lay off all probationary status employees. This includes many workers who joined within the past year or two, with exceptions for veterans and those with disabilities.
Corina Haines, another rally participant, shared her family’s history of federal service and her concern for their future. “I’m scared for my family that works in the federal government. I’m scared for myself as someone who wants to pursue a career with the government, and now I feel like I can’t. So I feel like my whole future has been turned upside down. It’s a scary time,” Haines expressed.
Attempts to reach several agencies such as the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and Indian Health Service for comments were unsuccessful. A spokesperson for Grand Canyon National Park stated they were unable to provide answers to questions.
—
Read More Arizona News
