On Friday, the Education Department notified employees of a buyout offer allowing up to $25,000 for voluntary resignation or retirement, only for the email to vanish soon after. This communication, with a strict deadline, was linked to significant layoffs within the department, spurred on by the current administration's federal job cuts strategy. Some employees reported confusion and lack of guidance, while the application link remained active despite the email being recalled. The offer seemed legally supported under existing separation payment laws.
The email, sent to all of the department's employees at 11:03 a.m., urged workers to consider a one-time offer of a taxable payment of up to $25,000.
The buyout offer appeared to be legal under the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment Authority, which allows agencies that are downsizing or restructuring to offer one-time payments.
Several employees, who requested anonymity out of fear for their jobs, said they had not received any further information or guidance on what to do.
Adding to the confusion, the link to the application form to apply for the program was still live and accessible on Friday afternoon.
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