The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Image: J. David Ake/Getty Images)
In a move to downsize the federal workforce, the Trump administration extended a buyout opportunity to all federal employees who opt to resign by Feb. 6. Employees have until Thursday to accept the offer, which promises pay and benefits until September without the need to work. However, concerns have been raised about funding uncertainties, with over 20,000 employees already signed up.
**Summary:**
Federal workers are being offered a buyout to resign by Feb. 6, with pay and benefits through September. While the White House aims for a 5% to 10% reduction in the workforce, questions remain over funding and guarantees of payment.
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The offer provides federal employees the chance to resign by Feb. 6 and receive pay and benefits until Sept. 30, without working. Approximately 20,000 workers have accepted already, raising concerns about the financial viability of the initiative.
Eligible federal employees, except for certain categories like military and postal service workers, can opt for paid administrative leave until 2025. The program also includes a lump sum payment for unused annual leave.
Under the leadership of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, tasked with streamlining the federal workforce, OPM notified employees of a major restructuring and offered the buyout as an option. Those declining the offer face uncertainty regarding their future within the federal agencies.
Critics argue that the buyout lacks legal standing and question the assurance of payment, noting that congressional approval would be required. The American Federation of Government Employees is among those voicing opposition to the controversial program.
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The Federation of Government Employees issued a warning to its members regarding a recent offer in a fact sheet released on Wednesday. In the statement, they advised employees not to immediately accept the deferred resignation program, cautioning that the information provided by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) via email and FAQ website was fraught with inconsistencies and uncertainties. Alongside this caution, twelve attorneys general, representing states such as Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Washington, also voiced their concerns about the deal. New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized that the supposed offers were not guaranteed and urged federal employees to exercise caution, seeking guidance from their unions to safeguard their rights.
Responding to the public skepticism surrounding the offer, OPM took steps to provide additional reassurance by circulating a contract on February 3 that federal agencies could distribute to their employees. The contract outlined that those choosing to participate in the deferred resignation program were expected to continue working until February 28, after which they would be placed on paid administrative leave no later than March 1. Furthermore, employees opting for this program would receive a lump sum payment at the conclusion of their deferred resignation period for any unused accrued leave time.
