Federal employees described Monday’s mood as “chaotic” in San Francisco after millions of workers got an email over the weekend from the Department of Government Efficiency. 

The email directs workers to describe five accomplishments by Monday night — or face termination.

Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed in San Francisco federal court by a coalition of labor unions naming President Trump and Elon Musk aiming to block any firings connected to the email.  

The Bay Area is playing a significant role in fighting the DOGE demand that workers justify their jobs or be fired. A San Francisco-based law firm is now leading a lawsuit challenging it. NBC Bay Area’s Raj Mathai spoke to Naveed Shah of Common Defense, a grassroots organization of U.S. military veterans focused on progressive issues — and one of the plaintiffs on the lawsuit, for some insight.

The coalition is being represented by San Francisco-based law firm Altshuler Berzon.

Workers said they were trying to figure out if they needed to even respond. Local union leaders are recommending they ask their supervisors whether they need to reply to the email.

NBC Bay Area’s Sergio Quintana has more in video player above.