Top officials at the Education Department have warned staff members that if they agree to the Trump administration’s deferred resignation package, the education secretary may later cancel it and employees would have no recourse, potentially leaving them without promised pay. The Trump administration hopes to get up to 10% of the workforce to quit as part of a plan to shrink the federal bureaucracy. The buyout offer has been criticized as potentially being a bait-and-switch, with concerns growing that the government may not fulfill its end of the bargain.
The buyout offer, known as the “Fork in the Road,” expires on February 6th, with pressure mounting on federal employees to accept the deal. Across the federal government, more than 40,000 people have accepted the buyout offer so far out of a workforce of over 2 million people. The offer has caused deep concern among federal workers and has led to lowered morale among employees.
The Trump administration has faced legal challenges and criticism for offering the buyout program, with labor unions and Democratic state attorneys general arguing that it may be unlawful and an attempt to intimidate workers into resigning. Trump has nominated Linda McMahon as the new education secretary, but no confirmation hearing has been scheduled.
In addition to the buyout offer, the Education Department is expected to conduct layoffs and reduce its workforce. Employees will be required to go into the office daily by February 24th, with efforts being made to find alternative workspaces for remote employees. The White House is reportedly considering executive action to dismantle the Education Department, a move that would require congressional approval.
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