WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Many federal workers are considering taking buyouts from the federal government following an offer from the U.S. Office of Personal Management (OPM).
A memo from the OPM calls the offer “deferred resignation” and contains language that seems to contradict what officials are saying.
Critics say it’s a poor move to shrink the federal workforce.
The OPM said federal workers have until Feb. 6 to resign. Until Sept. 30, the office said those workers will retain all pay and benefits and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements.
“There’s no budget line item to pay people who are not showing up for work,” said Sen. Tim Kaine. “Don’t be fooled. [Trump has] tricked hundreds of people with that offer. If you accept that offer and resign, he’ll stiff you just like he stiffed the contractors. He doesn’t have any authority to do this.”
The offer is drawing outrage from lawmakers and the unions representing federal workers.
“They are going to demand that federal employees be loyal and trustworthy, and if not that they will be targeted, you know, be penalized, up to removal,” said Randy Erwin, national president of the National Federation of Federal Employees.
Employees who wish to resign must first review a “deferred resignation letter,” which states, in part:
I am certain of my decision to resign and my choice to resign is fully voluntary. I understand my employing agency will likely make adjustments in response to my resignation including moving, eliminating, consolidating, reassigning my position and tasks, reducing my official duties, and/or placing me on paid administrative leave until my resignation date.
That paragraph makes it seem like some people will still have to work through the Sept. 30 effective resignation date.
“They want to intimidate workers and then get them to accept a bad deal. That’s why we’re telling federal workers don’t don’t even think about it,” Erwin said.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said it’s estimated that 5% to 10% of the federal workforce will take the offer.
“[Y]ou can save $100 billion for taxpayers just with that downsizing of the size and scope of government. There will be other creative ideas on how to do this. But I think it’s the right move.”
According to the OPM, deferred resignation is available to all full-time federal employees except for military personnel, employees of the U.S. Postal Service, those in positions related to immigration enforcement and national security and those in other positions specifically excluded by their employing agency.
The OPM has a list of frequently asked questions people can view here.
