The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent shockwaves through the federal workforce by emailing a buyout offer to 2 million employees on Tuesday evening. The proposal is part of a larger White House effort to streamline the federal government and align it with Donald Trump's second-term goals. By Wednesday morning, federal employees were scrambling for details about the unexpected offer, which some perceive as a veiled threat to their job security. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing federal workers, has criticized the offer as coercive rather than voluntary.
The email reached employees across various departments, including the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The OPM anticipates that up to 200,000 federal workers—about 10% of the workforce—might accept the deal, which expires on February 6. Those who opt-in can cease work immediately but will continue to receive their salaries for eight months, formally exiting their roles by the end of September. However, many employees, like Monet Hepp, a medical support specialist at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, expressed confusion and concern over the message's tone and implications.
"The tone of the initial email was like 'you may be cut anyway,'" – Hepp
"People were blindsided by it." – Hepp
The OPM has issued follow-up guidance and created an FAQ page to address mounting questions. Despite these efforts, uncertainty prevails, leaving employees like those at the VA Pacific District office uneasy.
"Because we haven't actually seen a contract," – A counsellor with the VA Pacific District office
"The language in there [the email] is clear as mud." – A counsellor with the VA Pacific District office
Federal workers are grappling with whether to accept the offer amid fears of job instability. Some employees, considering personal circumstances such as moving overseas, are contemplating taking the deal. Others feel compelled due to the perceived threat to their job security.
"I thought this was a stable job, that I would have a stable income, and now that's all up in the air," – A VA employee
The AFGE has strongly condemned the proposal, arguing that it aims to create an inhospitable work environment.
"It is clear that the Trump administration's goal is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to." – The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
The sudden announcement has disrupted morale among federal workers, particularly at departments like Veterans Affairs, where employees report feeling demoralized and insecure.
"The morale has just completely crashed," – A VA employee
"It's kind of like a slap in the face." – A young VA employee
Reactions from various departments highlight widespread confusion and lack of communication from leadership.
"Leadership absolutely has no idea what is happening," – An employee at the Department of Labour
While the OPM assures that the communication is legitimate, skepticism and anxiety persist among federal employees.
"I want to confirm that this is a legitimate communication from OPM," – A public affairs officer with the VA
As February 6 approaches, many workers face difficult decisions regarding their futures. The offer's timing and framing have left them feeling uncertain about their roles in government.