The federal agency faces a deadline to present another plan for a mass shooting on Monday. This is the next step in the Trump administration's drive to reduce government to further rebuild civil servants that have withstand tens of thousands of departures.
Some agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, have already announced layoffs for this round of dismissal. The cuts are directed towards the government's Department of Efficiency or the government's overhaul initiative led by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Since Trump returned to his elliptical office, the group's intense charging efforts have cast al on the federal workforce. This week's plan for mass shootings, called “forced reductions,” should provide a clearer picture of the administration's vision of a reduced federal government.
Thousands of workers have recently resigned voluntarily, accepting offers of resignation while being temporarily paid, according to those familiar with the details. The incentive only applies in certain departments as the Monday deadline approaches, and was originally pitched as a one-offer in January.
The Times interviewed dozens of federal workers who had been fired or expected. Also, those who saw their colleagues disappeared without guidance on who would do their job. All spoke on the condition of anonymity in fear of retaliation.
Since January 20th, agency supervisors and managers have mostly been left in the dark about changes in HR. Environmental Protection Agency scientists said many people have relied on news media to learn about the safety of their work. Few information about resignation and early retirement offers led federal workers to seek advice on social media on whether to accept them.
On April 7, the Department of Homeland Security sent an email announcing it would also provide another shot at postponed resignation and early retirement. The message said HR officials will follow up with more details. However, one source said they never gave the department just 48 hours to make a decision.
Thousands of fired probation workers have been in moderation since mid-February, forcing the government to revive employees that have since been overturned or suspended. Some of the fired workers who returned to their jobs this month were unable to get a clear answer from HR personnel as to whether they even qualify for a deferred resignation or whether their employment status has changed.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services launched a layoff in early morning email on April 1st. Some employees were fired when they arrived at the office and learned that the building badges had stopped working. In total, the department fired about 10,000 employees, and in some cases eliminated the entire department and the entire program. The department did not give people the option to resign.
Many dismissal workers from the department say information about services at the agency is inaccurate in the documents received when they were fired.
The power reduction process has certain steps that the agency must follow. Like other HR actions, workers must pose challenges to the Merit System Protections Board, an independent management board that considers employment decisions.
The board has received exponentially more cases than it was the previous year. But President Trump fired panel head Kathy A. Harris, leaving it without quorum. The newly fired workers may have to wait years for the board to hear their complaints, but Harris will try to fire her.
