I wrote yesterday about the far-reaching implications of the blanket email sent the other day to convince federal workers to resign en masse.
My advice to all was: DO. NOT. RESIGN.
A Second Outrageous Email
To illustrate just how desperate the Trump Administration is to sweet talk federal public servants into resigning via a vague “delayed resignation,” a second “Fork in the Road” email went out last night.
It’s a sheet of questions the administration is saying it is being asked.
Here are the contents:
From: HR
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2025 X:XX PM
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fork in the Road FAQs
Importance: High
We have received a number of questions regarding the deferred resignation program. Below are our top FAQs:
Q: Am I expected to work at my government job during the deferred resignation period?
A: No.
Q: Am I allowed to get a second job during the deferred resignation period?
A: Absolutely! We encourage you to find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so. The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.
Q: Will I really get my full pay and benefits during the entire period through September 30, even if I get a second job?
A: Yes. You will also accrue further personal leave days, vacation days, etc. and be paid out for unused leave at your final resignation date.
Q: Can I take an extended vacation while on administrative leave?
A: You are most welcome stay at home and relax or to travel to your dream destination. Whatever you would like.
Reminder that the deferred resignation program is available until Thursday, February 6.
Additional FAQ’s and instructions on accepting deferred resignation can be found on the OPM website by navigating to “Fork” from the top menu.
Just read this nonsense:
“We encourage you to find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so. The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.”
And:
“You are most welcome stay at home and relax or to travel to your dream destination. Whatever you would like.”
Insulting, demeaning and creepy all at the same time. Grotesque.
Imagine suggesting to millions of workers—air traffic controllers, scientists, emergency response specialists, VA workers treating our veterans, veterinarians tracking avian flu—that they are working in “lower productivity jobs” and that the nation would be more prosperous if they move over to “higher productivity jobs in the private sector.”
Imagine telling millions of Americans who rely on these services that they are no longer available, or that we are all less safe, because Trump told millions of federal workers to “stay at home and relax or [] travel to your dream destination.”
One Public Servant’s Response
I asked a federal worker I know, who has received these emails, what the response inside has been among his/her colleagues.
“There are lots of questions.”
People feel: “Demoralized. Angry….A lot of people are feeling insulted by the implications of the email. Insinuating that we’re not productive. That we don’t care about the mission.”
He/she worried about the temptation this is creating for people to just walk away.
“It’s so easy to resign. All you have to do is be pissed off and resign. It’s so hard not to be impulsive about it. A lot of people are probably tempted.”
But he/she says the mood among most is: “Stay the course. Don’t give up…Caution: wait ’til you hear more. He has stiffed people in the past and he’ll do it again.”
This public servant also pointed out how much time and money are being wasted by the chaos. Town halls and other meetings are being held across the country among thousands upon thousands of workers and supervisors, trying to understand what is happening, with very few answers. “Just imagine [how] many are pulled away from their work with the upset and confusion.”
Stay the course indeed!
Please stand with these public servants, everyone. They are truly on the front lines of democracy.
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