WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A federal judge extended the deadline for government employees to accept a deferred resignation offer while he weighs arguments over the Trump Administration’s push to shrink the federal workforce.
The Office of Personnel Management offered all federal employees, except military members and U.S. Postal Service workers, the opportunity to resign from their positions with full pay and benefits through September.
Employees received emails with the subject line “Fork in the Road,” suggesting they leave federal positions in the face of changes to the workforce. The offer is part of President Donald Trump’s push to trim spending and the scope of the federal workforce. The White House said that 60,000 workers have offered to resign so far.
Worker unions and Democratic lawmakers charge that the offer is unlawful, vague and misleading. In a lawsuit against the offer, Attorney General from 21 states asked the federal government for clarity on the offer’s legality. Federal labor unions urge their workers not to resign.
During a Federal District Court hearing yesterday afternoon, Judge George O’Toole extended an emergency restraining order against the administration’s offer until he issues a ruling in the suit.
“We continue to believe this program violates the law, and we will continue to aggressively defend our members’ rights,” said Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees.
Local leaders across the DMV are sharing resources for people impacted by the shrinking government workforce.
Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity (Springfield) wrote in a message to constituents that many in the county are federal employees and should be treated with gratitude for their service. He lauded the effort to reduce the size of the federal government.
“The federal government, much like the Fairfax County government, has been pursuing agendas beyond its scope and created bureaucracies that do not serve our citizens well,” he wrote.
He shared the county government’s resources for people transitioning from federal work in the county.
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority maintains a site to facilitate workforce growth in the region, featuring job openings in the area. Fairfax County offers career development services, including resume writing, interview preparation, and job training assistance.
He also shared that the Fairfax County Human Services Coordinated Services Planning helpline is (703) 222-0880, which people can call if they need assistance with food, shelter, health, and in some cases, legal assistance.
