The White House is actively countering claims of “misinformation” originating from the federal employees union, which is urging government workers to reject an offer from the administration to voluntarily resign by February 6. This proposal includes a paid leave option extending through the end of September.
In a public response released on Monday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) criticized union leaders for providing misleading information that compromises the interests of their members.
“This is a rare and generous opportunity — carefully vetted to provide support during the restructuring process,” stated an OPM spokesperson. “Rather than perpetuating misinformation and using federal workers as political tools, they should focus on ensuring those employees have accurate information to make the best choices for themselves and their families.”
The voluntary resignation offer, dubbed “Fork in the Road,” coincides with President Trump’s efforts to reform the federal workforce.
“We encourage them to leave,” Trump remarked last week when discussing the administration’s intentions. “We are aiming to reduce the size of the government.”
Employment lawyers have raised concerns about the legality of such offers, emphasizing that it is Congress, not the White House, that holds the authority to determine worker compensation.
“Federal employees should understand that approved union contracts are legally binding, and the president cannot unilaterally alter those agreements,” stated a representative for the American Federation of Government Employees.
The White House insists that the offer underwent thorough legal scrutiny to ensure it meets standards of fairness and compliance.
Administration officials have indicated that a significant reduction in workforce is already underway, suggesting that employees could lose out on added financial benefits as agencies reevaluate their personnel structures.
The ongoing changes have instilled concern among the federal workforce, compounded by inconsistent communication from the White House and various federal agencies, resulting in widespread confusion about future developments.
