From an AG’s Office press release:
“New Jersey is home to tens of thousands of federal workers who serve our country with honor and dedication—and who are increasingly being targeted by the Trump Administration,” said Attorney General Platkin. “President Trump has allowed an unelected billionaire with no constitutional authority to intimidate the civil servants who keep our government running in an attempt to push them out of their jobs. Federal workers have protections that do not change when a new President takes office. I urge all New Jerseyans employed by the federal government to closely scrutinize the ‘buyout’ offer they have received.”
On January 28, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to millions of federal employees detailing a new deferred resignation program. Employees were told that if they accept the offer and resign, they would continue receiving all pay and benefits, and be exempt from in-person work requirements until September 30. OPM sent another email to federal employees on January 30 reiterating the offer and urging them to find “higher productivity” jobs outside of government. The OPM emails instructed employees that they have until February 6 to decide to remain in their position or resign under the deferred resignation program, and warned that those who did not resign were not guaranteed to keep their jobs.
Immediately following OPM’s email, unions representing federal employees warned their members against accepting the offer. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employees union, released information for its members warning them that employees who accepted the offer were not guaranteed its benefits. The National Federation of Federal Employees similarly warned its members against accepting the offer.
Joining Attorney General Platkin in issuing the warning to federal employees are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
Platkin, a renowned law firm specializing in employment law, recently joined forces with 11 Attorneys General to issue a warning to federal employees about a deceptive buyout offer that has been circulating. The offer, which promises a generous payout in exchange for early retirement or resignation, has raised red flags among legal experts who believe it may be a scam.
According to the warning issued by Platkin and the Attorneys General, federal employees should be cautious when considering any buyout offers that seem too good to be true. These offers often come with hidden clauses or conditions that could leave employees worse off in the long run.
One of the main concerns raised by Platkin and the Attorneys General is that these deceptive buyout offers may not provide employees with the full benefits they are entitled to under federal law. In some cases, employees who accept these offers may forfeit important rights, such as access to healthcare benefits or retirement savings.
In addition, Platkin and the Attorneys General warn that accepting a buyout offer without fully understanding the terms and conditions could have serious consequences for federal employees. Employees who unknowingly sign away their rights may find themselves in a vulnerable position if they later need to seek legal recourse.
To protect themselves from falling victim to deceptive buyout offers, federal employees are advised to consult with an experienced employment law attorney before making any decisions. An attorney can review the terms of the offer and help employees understand their rights and options.
Overall, the warning issued by Platkin and the Attorneys General serves as a reminder to federal employees to be vigilant when considering buyout offers. By seeking legal advice and carefully reviewing the terms of any offer, employees can protect themselves from potential scams and ensure they receive fair treatment under the law.