AFGE union reacts to Deferred Resignation program
Citing requirements from President Trump, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to federal employees on Tuesday presenting a deferred resignation offer. With a subject line “Fork in the Road,” the email described new directives meant to reform the federal workplace.
These directives, described as “four pillars,” detail expectations that include: remote workers returning to their physical offices five days a week, updated performance standards, adjustments to the size and structure of the workforce, and enhanced standards of conduct.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union. Ruark Hotopp, the National Vice President for AFGE District 8, says Tuesday’s email caught employees off-guard.
“The letter was a surprise to all of us. We had no idea that that was coming,” said Hotopp. “The letter itself never really made any specific promises. A lot of conjectures and illusions- it leads you to draw conclusions. So we ended up being left with a lot more questions than we ended up with answers.”
Not knowing what is next has made many feel confused and scared, not knowing what the deferred resignation means long-term.
“Does this mean I’m just not going to work anymore? Or how does this mess with my federal retirement benefits? Or if I take it, do I lose my eligibility to collect whatever?” said Hotopp.
An FAQ section has been added to the letter online, but there is no mention of what will happen to the federal positions vacated by those who choose to accept the deferred resignation.
“We don’t know that it will actually eliminate a position. For all we know, the position will just be replaced. Since we don’t know what the end goal here is, we don’t know what the plan is from President Trump, it’s kind of like, well, what does it mean? Where is the cost savings? We’ve got no analysis on that,” explained Hotopp.
Describing the letter as “deeply concerning,” Hotopp spoke about the false narrative of federal employees being portrayed as “deep state operatives” when the vast majority have an essential job, such as meat inspectors, nurses, and claims adjusters.
“We’re in your communities. We’re your friends, your families, your neighbors,” said Hotopp. “We coach your son’s Little League team. Our kids play together. Like, we’re average Americans just trying to do a job to provide for our families, just like everyone else.”
The “Fork in the Road” letter can be found at this link.