In a significant development, a federal judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump's plan to offer a resignation package to federal employees. This decision came just hours before the Thursday deadline, set at 23:59 ET (04:59 GMT), for federal workers to accept the offer. Judge George O'Toole Jr issued the order, pausing the initiative amidst growing concerns over its legality. The pause will remain in effect until a scheduled hearing on Monday, where the lawsuit filed by federal employee unions will be reviewed.
The controversial plan, which had already seen tens of thousands of US government workers accepting the offer, included continued pay until September 30. However, the proposal quickly drew criticism and legal scrutiny. Federal employee unions raised questions about the legality of the plan and subsequently filed a lawsuit aiming to halt its implementation.
Workers across various departments expressed confusion regarding the package's specifics and the terms associated with the deal. The uncertainty surrounding the offer left many employees unsure about their future, leading to further tension among the workforce.
US media outlets reported that the White House announced the acceptance of the offer by tens of thousands of employees. However, the federal employee unions' lawsuit challenges the plan's execution and legality. The upcoming hearing on Monday will play a crucial role in determining the merits of these legal challenges and whether the plan will be allowed to proceed.
The temporary suspension of the plan underscores the contentious nature of the proposal and its impact on the federal workforce. As the legal battle unfolds, the focus shifts to Monday's hearing, which will set the course for future actions concerning the resignation package.