Attorney General Peter F. Neronha has joined a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in opposing the Trump Administration's "Fork in the Road" federal buyout plan. This directive, issued on January 28, 2025, requires federal employees to choose between accepting a contentious buyout or facing potential termination.
The coalition filed an amicus brief supporting a motion for a temporary restraining order by several unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Association of Government Employees. The unions argue that the directive forces employees into "deferred resignation," allowing them to resign while retaining pay and benefits until September 30, 2025. They claim this directive violates federal ethics regulations and creates confusion among workers.
Attorney General Neronha criticized the directive as "a blatant attack on our nation’s federal employees." He expressed concern over potential disruptions to government services and questioned the administration's motives.
A lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. has stayed the deadline until February 10, with a hearing scheduled in Boston.
The attorneys general stress that losing essential federal employees could harm cooperative efforts across government levels, from veteran care to disaster response. They urge the court to grant a temporary restraining order to protect these workers and serve public interest.
Neronha is joined by attorneys general from states including California, New York, and Washington in this legal action.