WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — On Monday, a federal judge will decide whether or not to block a buyout offer for federal employees as the Trump Administration moves to shrink the federal workforce.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offered most federal employees the opportunity to leave their jobs with full pay and benefits through Sept. 30, if they resigned by Feb. 6. The OPM announced that most employees who accept the “deferred resignation” would be exempt from in-person work requirements.
U.S. District Judge George O’Toole said he would hear arguments on whether an emergency restraining order against the offer should be granted, so the White House announced it would extend the deadline for employees to resign until Monday, Feb. 10 at 11:59 p.m.
In an amicus brief filed on Feb. 9, Attorneys General of 21 states argued that the directive undermines civil servants, sews confusion among the workforce, and could have disastrous consequences for Americans who rely on the work of federal agencies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R, La.) said the offer could elicit $100 billion in savings for the federal government. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that 40,000 employees have taken the offer.
Democratic lawmakers warn that the offer is legally dubious and that resigning could backfire on employees. Sen. Tim Kaine (D, Va.) said that President Donald Trump doesn’t have the authority to promise buyouts.
“There’s no budget line item to pay people who aren’t showing up for work,” Kaine said.
The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal workers, warned its members that the legality of the offer is mirky, as most federal agencies are only funded through March 14.
“AFGE urges federal workers not to take the Trump administration’s vague offer with conflicting details,” the union wrote.
Monday’s hearing will be held at 2 p.m. at the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts.
