California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 21 state attorneys general to support federal employees in challenging the Trump administration's "buyout" plan. The coalition filed an amicus brief backing a motion for a temporary restraining order by plaintiffs, including the American Federation of Government Employees and other unions, against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) "Fork in the Road" directive.
The directive, issued on January 28, 2025, forces federal workers to choose between accepting a buyout or facing potential termination. Workers were given until February 6 to accept a "deferred resignation," which would allow them to resign while retaining pay and benefits until September 30, 2025.
Attorney General Bonta criticized the administration's approach, stating, "This much is clear: the Trump Administration continues to trample over the rights of workers." He emphasized that federal employees provide essential services and contribute significantly to the economy.
The plaintiff unions have filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. They argue that the directive and its frequently revised FAQs caused confusion among federal employees. On February 6, U.S. District Court Judge George A. O'Toole Jr. stayed the deadline until February 10, with a hearing scheduled for that day in Boston.
The attorneys general argue that the directive harms public servants and could lead to indiscriminate job losses affecting government operations at all levels. They urged the court to grant a temporary restraining order to protect federal workers and public interests.
Attorney General Bonta is joined by his counterparts from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont Washington and the District of Columbia in this legal action.