Federal agency OPM gives VERA power to all departments amidst ongoing confusion over the 'deferred resignation' scheme
In a move aimed at ensuring continuity and compliance with legal requirements, federal authorities in Germany, such as the Bundesanstalt (Federal Agency) and other supervisory federal authorities, have the power to approve a "delayed resignation" under specific regulatory frameworks. This measure is intended to maintain operational stability and legal adherence.
The offer is not limited to Germany alone. In the United States, federal agencies are requesting the authority to offer Voluntary Early Retirement Authority to eligible workers who accept the deferred resignation offer. However, it seems that not all federal agencies are privy to this guidance. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic controllers, for instance, have not received similar guidance regarding deferred resignptions.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will grant these authorities on a governmentwide basis. For eligible federal employees, the deferred resignation offer includes pay and benefits through September 30, 2025, and they will not be subject to a reduction-in-force or other premature separation.
To be eligible for early retirement, federal workers must be 50 years old with at least 20 years of service or have at least 25 years of service with no age requirement. If an employee's eligibility for early retirement falls before the end of December, federal agencies may consider later resignation dates.
The Defense Department has declined to comment about whether civilian employees are exempt from accepting deferred resignations. On the other hand, the Social Security Administration has informed its employees that they are not eligible for deferred resignation or early retirement.
The HR agency's website now includes a FAQ, with new answers that encourage federal employees to seek employment in the private sector. This comes amidst reports of people being furious in response to President Trump's comments about federal workers taking vacations or holding low productivity jobs.
However, the deferred resignation offer has not deterred federal workers from standing firm. Marie Owens Powell, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, stated that rather than demoralizing federal workers, Trump and Musk's plan has instead galvanized them.
A region of the Veterans Affairs Department will provide guidance on the deferred resignation program to ensure continued healthcare operations. The administration's program, using paid administrative leave to circumvent Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment caps, has been described as legally dubious.
In an email to employees, federal agencies insisted that the deferred resignation offer is both legal and will be honored. The Office of Personnel Management will also grant early retirement to eligible workers who accept a deferred resignation offer.
It's important to note that Eric Katz contributed to this report.
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