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Federal Worker RTO and Buyout Offers


Anastasis

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https://apnews.com/article/trump-buyouts-to-all-federal-employees-f67f5751a0fd5ad8471806a5a1067b5e?

Trump offers all federal workers a buyout with 7 months’ pay in effort to shrink size of government

By  MARK SHERMAN

Updated 4:59 PM CST, January 28, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Tuesday began offering buyouts worth seven months of salary to all federal employees who opt to leave their jobs by Feb. 6 — part of President Donald Trump’s unprecedented overhaul of the U.S. government.

A memo from the Office of Personnel Management, the government’s human resources agency, lists four directives that it says Trump is mandating for the federal workforce, including that most workers return to their offices full-time.

It includes a “deferred resignation letter” for federal employees wishing to participate.

“If you choose not to continue in your current role in the federal workforce, we thank you for your service to your country and you will be provided with a dignified, fair departure from the federal government utilizing a deferred resignation program,” the email reads. “This program begins effective January 28 and is available to all federal employees until February 6.”

It adds, “If you resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30.”

 

Edited by Anastasis
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Just now, softlynow said:

Is this TexAgs now? We need a new thread for every little thing? If so, the front page will be littered with this shit in short order.

I think that topically oriented threads are superior to the meta threads like Trump's America that just end up with a bunch of drive by "discussion" around the topic of the day. Allows those so inclined to dig into specific topics. If the topic is not of interest to you to discuss, you don't have to post in the thread. Pretty simple discussion board stuff. 

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8 minutes ago, Anastasis said:

I think that topically oriented threads are superior to the meta threads like Trump's America that just end up with a bunch of drive by "discussion" around the topic of the day. Allows those so inclined to dig into specific topics. If the topic is not of interest to you to discuss, you don't have to post in the thread. Pretty simple discussion board stuff. 

What is your opinion on this action. Do you think it will benefit the country as a whole? 

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To the topic, 28 weeks is a pretty generous package, better than most in the private sector would get. It's not gonna make sense for a lot of people, but for the younger folks I know of a few personally that will be able to jump to the private sector with ease. They were already heading that direction based on the RTO order without the juice of a severance package. I think you will see a short term brain drain of the most capable talent, esp younger talent that isn't near retirement.  

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And here's the text of the email.  Just reply back "resign" and that's it:

 

Spoiler

During the first week of his administration, President Trump issued a number of directives concerning the federal workforce. Among those directives, the President required that employees return to in-person work, restored accountability for employees who have policy-making authority, restored accountability for senior career executives, and reformed the federal hiring process to focus on merit. As a result of the above orders, the reform of the federal workforce will be significant.

The reformed federal workforce will be built around four pillars:

  1. Return to Office: The substantial majority of federal employees who have been working remotely since Covid will be required to return to their physical offices five days a week. Going forward, we also expect our physical offices to undergo meaningful consolidation and divestitures, potentially resulting in physical office relocations for a number of federal workers.

  2. Performance culture: The federal workforce should be comprised of the best America has to offer. We will insist on excellence at every level — our performance standards will be updated to reward and promote those that exceed expectations and address in a fair and open way those who do not meet the high standards which the taxpayers of this country have a right to demand.

  3. More streamlined and flexible workforce: While a few agencies and even branches of the military are likely to see increases in the size of their workforce, the majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force. These actions are likely to include the use of furloughs and the reclassification to at-will status for a substantial number of federal employees.

  4. Enhanced standards of conduct: The federal workforce should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work. Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward. Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination.

Each of the pillars outlined above will be pursued in accordance with applicable law, consistent with your agency's policies, and to the extent permitted under relevant collective-bargaining agreements.

If you choose to remain in your current position, we thank you for your renewed focus on serving the American people to the best of your abilities and look forward to working together as part of an improved federal workforce. At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions.

If you choose not to continue in your current role in the federal workforce, we thank you for your service to your country and you will be provided with a dignified, fair departure from the federal government utilizing a deferred resignation program. This program begins effective January 28 and is available to all federal employees until February 6. If you resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30, 2025 (or earlier if you choose to accelerate your resignation for any reason). The details of this separation plan can be found below.

Whichever path you choose, we thank you for your service to The United States of America.


Upon review of the below deferred resignation letter, if you wish to resign:

  1. Select “Reply” to this email. You must reply from your government account. A reply from an account other than your government account will not be accepted.

  2. Type the word “Resign” into the body of this reply email. Hit “Send”.

THE LAST DAY TO ACCEPT THE DEFERRED RESIGNATION PROGRAM IS FEBRUARY 6, 2025.

Deferred resignation is available to all full-time federal employees except for military personnel of the armed forces, employees of the U.S. Postal Service, those in positions related to immigration enforcement and national security, and those in any other positions specifically excluded by your employing agency.

DEFERRED RESIGNATION LETTER January 28, 2025 Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from employment with my employing agency, effective September 30, 2025. I understand that I have the right to accelerate, but not extend, my resignation date if I wish to take advantage of the deferred resignation program. I also understand that if I am (or become) eligible for early or normal retirement before my resignation date, that I retain the right to elect early or normal retirement (once eligible) at any point prior to my resignation date. Given my impending resignation, I understand I will be exempt from any “Return to Office” requirements pursuant to recent directives and that I will maintain my current compensation and retain all existing benefits (including but not limited to retirement accruals) until my final resignation date. 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. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my remaining time at my employing agency. Accordingly, I will assist my employing agency with completing reasonable and customary tasks and processes to facilitate my departure. I understand that my acceptance of this offer will be sent to the Office of Personnel Management (“OPM”) which will then share it with my agency employer. I hereby consent to OPM receiving, reviewing, and forwarding my acceptance.


Upon submission of your resignation, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your email. Any replies to this email shall be for the exclusive use of accepting the deferred resignation letter. Any other replies to this email will not be reviewed, forwarded, or retained other than as required by applicable federal records laws. Once your resignation is validly sent and received, the human resources department of your employing agency will contact you to complete additional documentation, if any. OPM is authorized to send this email under Executive Order 9830 and 5 U.S.C. §§ 301, 1103, 1104, 2951, 3301, 6504, 8347, and 8461. OPM intends to use your response to assist in federal workforce reorganization efforts in conjunction with employing agencies. See 88 Fed. Reg. 56058; 80 Fed. Reg. 72455 (listing routine uses). Response to this email is voluntary. Although you must respond to take advantage of the deferred resignation offer, there is no penalty for nonresponse.

 

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20 minutes ago, Anastasis said:

I think that topically oriented threads are superior to the meta threads like Trump's America that just end up with a bunch of drive by "discussion" around the topic of the day. Allows those so inclined to dig into specific topics. If the topic is not of interest to you to discuss, you don't have to post in the thread. Pretty simple discussion board stuff. 

There's a happy medium somewhere between Texags and the trend this board has been on toward a single, all-encompassing thread. 

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9 minutes ago, Francisco 2.0 said:

My wife, a fed, pointed out two things:

-the maximum legal buyout for a federal employee is $25,000, and...

-there is no money budgeted for the federal government through September 30.  The government is working on a CR that will expire in March. So, legally, money cannot be promised or committed by the administration through that date, because once again, Congress controls the purse.

 

 

 

 

None of that matters.  They are going to do what they want. Congress wont stop them and the courts can’t.  

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15 minutes ago, Francisco 2.0 said:

My wife, a fed, pointed out two things:

-the maximum legal buyout for a federal employee is $25,000, and...

-there is no money budgeted for the federal government through September 30.  The government is working on a CR that will expire in March. So, legally, money cannot be promised or committed by the administration through that date, because once again, Congress controls the purse.

 

 

 

 

I want to also point out that we have folks in govt now with a track record of not paying people they owe or promise payment. It would be risky.

 

@Anastasis nice response to a question. You said a whole bunch of nothing. I know this is your MO, but you started the topic. Post something of some substance and tell us why or why not you think this is a good idea. 

 

I will give you a prompt:

What do you think the long term effects of this will be? You mentioned brain drain, have you seen this happen recently with a country? Are there any countries that have tried to tie loyalty to the leader to their job with the government? What were the results? What type of philosophy would you classify that ruling party as aligning with? Lastly, do you think America is better or worse with free thought and discussion, dissenting or otherwise?

Edited by HOOKEM4
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8 minutes ago, HOOKEM4 said:

@Anastasis nice response to a question. You said a whole bunch of nothing. I know this is your MO, but you started the topic. Post something of some substance and tell us why or why not you think this is a good idea. 

Lol. What are you whining about? I am not going to project the long term outcomes, but I think that there is lots of fat to trim in the federal workforce. I am not sure that dangling a fat severance package is the best way to go about down sizing it.  I’ve seen it in the private sector and my observations have been that those with good alternative options know it and snap take the package. 
 

 

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1 minute ago, Anastasis said:

Lol. What are you whining about? I am not going to project the long term outcomes, but I think that there is lots of fat to trim in the federal workforce. I am not sure that dangling a fat severance package is the best way to go about down sizing it.  I’ve seen it in the private sector and my observations have been that those with good alternative options know it and snap take the package. 

Starting with DOD, correct?

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Just now, Anastasis said:

Lol. What are you whining about? I am not going to project the long term outcomes, but I think that there is lots of fat to trim in the federal workforce. I am not sure that dangling a fat severance package is the best way to do it. I’ve seen it in the private sector and my observations have been that those with good alternative options know it and snap take the package. 
 

 

So nothing. As usual you just waste bandwidth with no actual take. Right on man. Post less.

 

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28 minutes ago, Francisco 2.0 said:

My wife, a fed, pointed out two things:

-the maximum legal buyout for a federal employee is $25,000, and...

-there is no money budgeted for the federal government through September 30.  The government is working on a CR that will expire in March. So, legally, money cannot be promised or committed by the administration through that date, because once again, Congress controls the purse.

 

 

 

 

ie, Ain't payin shit.

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The "private workforce situation" that just gobbled up our government, is absolutely salivating at the idea of workers leaving stable Government jobs. No reason in particular. They just really need the help! I'm sure everyone will be paid handsomely and the benefits will remain lucrative and bountiful! The corporations make money, and it trickles down to the employees! Like water from Oregon to California! I, personally, cannot wait for our new capitalistic overlords to share their wealth!

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1 hour ago, HOOKEM4 said:

What is your opinion on this action. Do you think it will benefit the country as a whole? 

The arbitrariness of this seems idiotic. How can they prevent really important personnel from taking the offer and less important ones hanging around? Surely a scheme like this should be more targeted.

In the past I would have assumed I just didn't know the details and surely more thought was put into this behind the scenes...but these days who can say?

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Just now, Valmy77 said:

The arbitrariness of this seems idiotic. How can they prevent really important personnel from taking the offer and less important ones hanging around? Surely a scheme like this should be more targeted.

In the past I would have assumed I just didn't know the details and surely more thought was put into this behind the scenes...but these days who can say?

It could be that the people making these decisions are wildly incompetent and should be nowhere near the levers of government.

But this is what America wanted, so . . . 

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1 hour ago, Francisco 2.0 said:

My wife, a fed, pointed out two things:

-the maximum legal buyout for a federal employee is $25,000, and...

-there is no money budgeted for the federal government through September 30.  The government is working on a CR that will expire in March. So, legally, money cannot be promised or committed by the administration through that date, because once again, Congress controls the purse.

Well there we go. These guys had years to put together their plan and still things are all poorly planned. At least in 2017 I could figure he never expected to actually win.

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47 minutes ago, Anastasis said:

Are you ok?

Incapable of taking any sort of stand on anything political while taking a thinly veiled stand on every political subject.

So you are just a bot posting current events. Thanks!

You have juevos the size of deer shit. Post less.

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1 minute ago, HOOKEM4 said:

Incapable of taking any sort of stand on anything political while taking a thinly veiled stand on every political subject.

So you are just a bot posting current events. Thanks!

You have juevos the size of deer shit. Post less.

You are really overwhelming this thread with quality content. Seek help. Seriously. 

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2 minutes ago, SquishMitten said:

Exactly my thought when I first saw it. Get all the “disloyal” people to resign based on a false promise, then tell em later they don’t get shit. Best case they get a couple weeks of pay

3. When they complain, claim sovereign immunity.

4. Grift

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1 minute ago, Francisco 2.0 said:

More like "succeeding".  And how many Team GOP have spoken out so far?  Shit, they are enthusiastic about this turn of events.

No telling what tomorrow will bring.  

Two federal judges have ordered certain elements of his orders to stop. Whether or not the congress / courts will be able to successfully enforce the law is another matter.

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39 minutes ago, Francisco 2.0 said:
 
 

It certainly fits with this.

 

Federal employees got a really spammy looking email to provide their email addresses for some government wide notification system connected to, you guessed it, Elmo.  My friend sent it to the IT department to confirm it wasn't spam.  No, this spammy looking bullshit that helps build the spam machine is YOUR federal government.

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5111199-federal-employees-sue-opm-email/

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14 minutes ago, Anastasis said:

You are really overwhelming this thread with quality content. Seek help. Seriously. 

What is going to happen:

People take the bait. They will never see the payout. Elon knows they can't afford to fight the government with their limitless resources and SC in the bag. 

They are now on a list. They can get hired somewhere, maybe.

The purpose of the impact is to cripple every agency. Needed or not needed, it doesn't matter. They will show how inept the government is with this self fulfilling prophecy. Fox news will parrot the cost savings while ignoring that the top 0.1%  paying their fair share could pay for all of these folks to work every year and all the social net programs.

People will suffer. That is the feature. Isolate folks as much as you can. The very same folks will pump propaganda into their socials. All of the people that left don't deserve shit because they are lazy. Nobody lives outside their algorithm so it will work.  

In the end, there will be some people you and I don't see that will suffer and we will post on Surly.  I will at least say some random shit while you post bullshit what about this. No real substance. I am very much OK. You are very much not.

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26 minutes ago, Valmy77 said:

The arbitrariness of this seems idiotic. How can they prevent really important personnel from taking the offer and less important ones hanging around? Surely a scheme like this should be more targeted.

In the past I would have assumed I just didn't know the details and surely more thought was put into this behind the scenes...but these days who can say?

They don’t care if important personnel to leave. They don’t want them there. But getting them to leave voluntarily, they can replace them with loyalists and it reduces any lawsuits they’d face from wrongful termination of some sort. several people have said this is illegal. 
 

now if they don’t pay the severance, I don’t know what happens. 
 

 

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This might be good business for lawyers when inevitably Trump fails to pay. I know folks think the government having limitless money means people can't afford to fight it. In this case, bottomless pockets will attract lawsuits, not deter them, especially with the possibility of winning attorneys fees (I'll have to think on statutes would allow you to recover them). 

For real though, this is poorly thought out and even if it results in resignations, will result in increases costs as people have to be hired back to, you know, actually do the work. 

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1 hour ago, Anastasis said:

 there is lots of fat to trim in the federal workforce. I am not sure that dangling a fat severance package is the best way to go about down sizing it. 

A study by Lazear (1986) in the Journal of Labor Economics found that when firms offer generous severance packages, it can lead to "adverse selection," where the employees most likely to accept the offer are those with the best outside opportunities – often your top performers.


 

 High-performing employees are often more confident in their abilities to find new jobs and may see a severance package as a chance to pursue better opportunities or even start their own ventures. Lower performers may be more risk-averse and less willing to leave the security of their current position, even if it's not ideal.

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