Attorney General Nick Brown, alongside attorneys general from 11 other states, has issued a warning to federal employees regarding a "deferred resignation" program promoted by former President Donald Trump. This initiative claims to offer continued pay through September 30 for those who resign by February 6.
Brown urged caution among federal workers in Washington state: “I urge federal employees from Washington state, or those working in our state, to contact their union if they are curious about this so-called buyout offer,” he said. He criticized the program as a “shameless attack” on the federal workforce.
On January 28, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email outlining this deferred resignation program. It promised that employees accepting the offer would continue receiving pay and benefits while being exempt from in-person work requirements until September 30. A subsequent email encouraged employees to seek jobs outside government and warned those who did not resign might not retain their positions.
Unions have advised members against accepting the offer. The American Federation of Government Employees cautioned its members about the lack of guaranteed benefits for those who accept. Similarly, the National Federation of Federal Employees issued warnings against participation in the program.
The coalition of attorneys general recommending caution includes representatives from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Vermont.
The Washington Attorney General's Office serves as the state's largest law firm and represents various state entities while enforcing consumer protection and civil rights laws. More information is available at www.atg.wa.gov.