Summary:
Trump's administration offers buyouts to federal employees reluctant to return to the office.
Executive order mandates full-time in-person work for federal employees.
AFGE files lawsuit against the administration to protect workers' rights.
Eight months of pay offered for those resigning by February 6, 2025.
13,000 federal employees in Kentucky could be impacted by the new policies.
Trump's Controversial Federal Employee Buyout
President Donald Trump's administration has recently offered buyouts to federal employees reluctant to return to the office. This offer follows an executive order mandating that federal government employees must resume in-person work full-time.
Executive Order Overview
Trump's order, signed on January 20, states:
"Heads of all departments and agencies... shall take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person..."
Union Response
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), representing around 800,000 federal workers, has filed a federal lawsuit against the administration to ensure compliance with federal laws. AFGE National President Everett Kelley emphasized the importance of telework and its role in enhancing productivity.
Buyout Offer Details
Federal employees who resign by February 6 could receive eight months of pay and benefits. However, some lawmakers, including Senator Tim Kaine, have expressed skepticism regarding the viability of these buyouts, citing potential risks of non-payment.
Eligibility for Buyouts
According to current federal guidelines, only employees with at least 12 months of service and not dismissed for performance issues are eligible for severance pay. Certain positions, including military personnel and immigration enforcement roles, are excluded from this buyout offer.
Federal Workforce in Kentucky
In Kentucky, approximately 57% of federal employees are eligible for remote work, potentially affecting 13,000 individuals due to the new order. The exact number of remote workers in the state remains uncertain.
Social Security Administration Staffing
The Social Security Administration employs over 60,000 nationwide, with more than 56,300 teleworking in the last fiscal year. The number of remote employees in Kentucky specifically is still unclear, but the agency has 26 offices in the state.
Other Federal Offices in Kentucky
Kentucky hosts various federal offices, including courthouses and IRS centers. The specific number of employees working remotely or in-person across these offices remains ambiguous.
This story has been updated to include new information.
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