100,000 US federal workers to quit in largest-ever mass resignation
What's the story
More than 100,000 United States federal employees are expected to resign on Tuesday. The mass resignation is part of President Donald Trump's deferred resignation program, which impacts a total of 275,000 employees across various agencies, according to a White House spokesperson. The program is estimated to cost $14.8 billion, according to a Senate Democrats' report issued in July, but administration officials say it will save the government $28 billion annually in the long run.
Financial implications
Deferred resignation program criticized by some
The deferred resignation program, which allows 200,000 employees to receive full pay and benefits on administrative leave for up to eight months, has been criticized by some, including Democrats. However, the White House spokesperson said there was "no additional cost to the government" because employees would have received their salaries regardless of the program. "In fact, this is the largest and most effective workforce reduction plan in history and will save the government $28bn annually," the spokesperson added.
Employee sentiments
Mass resignation coincides with government shutdown deadline
The mass resignation comes as Congress faces a Tuesday deadline to approve more funding or risk a government shutdown. The White House has directed federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs if partisan talks fail to reach an agreement. Federal employees who accepted the deferred resignation offer spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing it could affect their future job prospects and ability to return. "Federal workers stay for the mission. When that..is taken away...they leave," a longtime federal employee said.
Legal action
Lawsuit filed against deferred resignation program
The American Federation of Government Employees and other labor unions have filed a lawsuit over the deferred resignation program. The lawsuit claims the buyout bypasses congressional authority, undermines required government agency functions, and was implemented under threat of termination. AFGE president Everett Kelley said in February that "purging the federal government of dedicated career federal employees will have vast, unintended consequences."