Fri Feb 07 10:10:00 UTC 2025: **Union President Warns Federal Workers Against Trump Administration Buyouts**
WASHINGTON (AP) — The president of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Doreen Greenwald, is urging the union’s 150,000 members to reject a buyout offer from the Trump administration. The offer, part of a plan to quickly reduce the federal workforce, involves a “deferred resignation program” allowing employees to stop working while continuing to receive pay until September 30th. The program deadline is February 6th.
Greenwald expressed deep skepticism about the offer, calling it a “dubious” deal that leaves employees with little recourse if they change their minds. She highlighted the lack of guaranteed funding for the buyout plan, given the government’s current continuing resolution funding and the restrictions imposed by the Anti-Deficiency Act.
The offer, extended to roughly 2.3 million federal employees (excluding military personnel, Postal Service employees, and immigration enforcement personnel), has drawn criticism from union leaders and worker advocates who question its legality and long-term implications. IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season (which began January 27th) are specifically barred from accepting the buyout until after the April 15th tax filing deadline.
Greenwald warned that accepting the buyout would damage public services and harm the careers of dedicated federal employees. She emphasized the significant contribution of federal workers outside of Washington D.C., urging them to consider the potential consequences before making a decision.
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