The White House has introduced a new program aimed at reducing remote work among federal employees. The plan, expected to affect up to 10% of the federal workforce, offers employees the option to voluntarily resign by September 2025 while continuing to receive full pay and benefits until their final day. The initiative has sparked criticism from labor unions, with concerns over its impact on government services and job security.
What Is the Deferred Resignation Program?
A government-wide email sent by the Trump administration outlines a “deferred resignation program” for federal employees. Those who choose to participate must decide by February 6, 2025 and will officially resign by September 30, 2025.
Key Features of the Program:
- Employees who opt in will continue to receive their salary and benefits until their resignation date.
- Participants will be exempt from in-person work requirements until they leave.
- The program does not apply to military personnel, immigration enforcement, the U.S. Postal Service, or national security roles.
- Federal workers who remain in their positions could face office relocations, restructuring, or potential furloughs.
The White House estimates that around 200,000 federal employees may take this offer, as only 6% of federal employees currently work full-time in an office.
Trump Administration’s Push to End Remote Work
Since the pandemic, a majority of federal employees have been working remotely. The administration now aims to bring employees back to the office five days a week and consolidate government offices. This could mean relocating offices or reducing workforce numbers.
Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, stated that controlling the government workforce is a priority for the administration. He emphasized that federal employees are “overwhelmingly left of center” and that restructuring is necessary to align government operations with the administration’s goals.
Concerns from Labor Unions and Employees
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing federal workers, strongly opposes the program.
AFGE National President Everett Kelley said:
“Purging the federal government of dedicated career civil servants will have vast, unintended consequences that will cause chaos for the Americans who depend on a functioning federal government.”
Union leaders argue that the initiative is not truly voluntary, as many employees may feel pressured to resign due to hostile workplace policies and executive orders that target workers’ rights.
What Happens to Those Who Stay?
Employees who do not opt for the deferred resignation program are not guaranteed job security.
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) stated that positions could be eliminated, but workers would be treated with “dignity” and provided with standard protections.
- Some agencies may experience expansion, but the majority will see downsizing and restructuring.
- Employees may be forced to relocate or be reclassified as at-will workers, meaning they could be fired more easily.
This move by the Trump administration represents a significant shift in how the federal workforce operates. By incentivizing voluntary resignations and mandating a return to office, the government aims to reduce remote work and restructure federal agencies. However, labor unions and employees worry about job security, government efficiency, and the overall impact on public services.
With a February 6 deadline approaching, federal employees must now make a tough decision—stay with uncertainty or leave with guaranteed pay until September.