Education Department Employees Face Uncertainty Over Deferred Resignation Package
Employees at the U.S. Department of Education are warned that accepting the Trump administration's deferred resignation package may lead to the cancellation of their benefits, igniting significant concerns about job security.
Top officials at the Department of Education informed staff on Wednesday that accepting the Trump administration's deferred resignation package may lead to cancellation by the education secretary, leaving employees without promised pay.
The Office of Personnel Management notified federal employees last week that resigning by February 6 would allow them to continue receiving pay and benefits until the end of September. The administration is aiming to reduce the federal workforce by up to 10%.
During an all-staff meeting on Zoom, three Education Department officials reported that Rachel Oglesby, the new chief of staff, and Jacqueline Clay, chief human capital officer, outlined significant conditions for the Fork in the Road offer. These officials preferred to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation.
It was communicated that the education secretary has the authority to revoke the agreement and that employees who accept the package would relinquish all legal claims. The officials stated they had only seen sample agreements and had to decide on resigning by Thursday before the actual terms were revealed.
One participant likened the meeting to a sales pitch, saying it felt like a commercial for a used car dealership with a sense of urgency to act quickly.
The Education Department did not provide comments regarding the meeting.
A spokesperson from the Office of Personnel Management disputed claims of insecurity regarding the resignation offer, referencing a memo that suggests assurances are binding and employees could request a rescission if the government backs out. However, the memo also states that agency heads retain the discretion to rescind the deal.
The deferred resignation agreement obtained by NBC News reflects similar language to the memo.
As pressure mounts for acceptance of the buyout offer across the federal government, an email from OPM underscored that the Deferred Resignation program, aptly named Fork in the Road, would conclude at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6, with no chance for extension.
To date, over 40,000 individuals have accepted the buyout offer, amidst a federal workforce exceeding two million.
Concerns persist among federal workers that the buyout offer may not fulfill its promises, worsening skepticism after management's comments. One official noted a decline in morale and an absence of communication following the meeting.
During the call, which several employees considered frustrating, they raised questions through Zoom's chat feature but received no answers.
The unusual buyout offer coincides with multiple executive actions and strategies by Trump and Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency. This duo has expedited efforts to reshape the federal government and cut spending.
Legal challenges have emerged from labor unions contesting the legitimacy of the deferred resignation program, arguing it exceeds the administration's authority.
Trump's nomination of Linda McMahon, former WWE CEO, to head the Education Department is pending confirmation, with no hearing scheduled yet.
Additionally, staffing alterations are anticipated in the Education Department, including potential layoffs, though specific details were not disclosed during the meeting.
By February 24, Education Department staff must return to the office daily. Clay mentioned leadership's effort to identify a nearby federal building for remote employees.
Trump has expressed a desire to abolish the Education Department, a significant goal for the Republican base, yet it requires Congressional action. Reports indicate that the White House might consider fragmented executive actions to achieve this aim.
