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Bureau of Prisons Workers Face Major Pay Cuts – Here’s What You Can Do Next
There’s some bad news for federal prison workers – retention payments will be greatly reduced or removed entirely by March 23. These retention payments were put in place because staff were dropping due to poor working conditions and low pay. Now, with the payments taken away, the outlook is even more concerning. This is a major loss for all federal prison workers, but it’s especially difficult for people already struggling with work because of a mental or physical health challenge. Some employees have already considered leaving the federal government for a job that would pay more and be less stressful.
USPS Using VERA to Cut 10,000 Jobs: 4 Options to Consider Before You Decide
In a March 13 letter to congress, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy agreed to cut 10,000 United States Postal Service workers and billions of dollars by April 18. DeJoy has outlined that Voluntary Early Retirement (VERA) will be used to hit this reduction. VERA was offered by USPS as early as January – now there’s an exact number of employees expected to leave.
Q&A: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on VERA
As the federal workforce continues changing, it can be difficult to stay informed and know what the best plan of action is. One thing that can be confusing is Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or VERA. Here’s a list of some of the most common questions we’re seeing about this.
Q&A: Your Most Frequently asked RIF Questions – Answered
With Reductions in force (RIFs) on the rise for almost all federal agencies, federal employees need to understand what their options are and how they can protect themselves.
Read through to find answers to your most commonly asked questions.
Mass RIFs Could Put You at Risk – 4 Ways to Act Now
If you haven’t already been targeted by one of the administrations cuts, you’re not out of the woods just yet. The next phase of President Trump’s plans to cut the federal workforce is here in the form of large-scale reductions in force – or RIFs. Job cuts will begin with people who are in positions that aren’t required by statute – meaning there’s no rule or regulation that says that position is necessary. Those who face furloughs when the government shuts down would also be in the earliest category to face cuts.
Think Twice Before Taking a VSIP – It Could Cost More Than You Expect
It goes without saying that there’s a lot going on in the federal government right now that directly affects federal employees. While this administration is trying to reshape and reduce the size of the federal workforce, there’s been a variety of resignation and early retirement offers mixed in with the looming threat of layoffs, RIFs, and being placed on administrative leave. One common method of encouraging workers to leave is called a VSIP.
USAID Jobs Hang in the Balance – Make Sure Your Future is Secure
Since the beginning of February, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been under the eye of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As the administration looks for overspending, various aid programs within USAID have been paused or stopped. Throughout February, thousands of employees were going to be placed on administrative leave until a federal judge stopped the order at the last minute. This uncertainty has left thousands of people’s livelihood hanging in the balance. Other agencies and programs, like the EPA and DEI initiatives, have already placed their employees on administrative leave. And while administrative leave is paid, it’s unclear when it would run out, leaving a lot of employees vulnerable. With so many federal employees being removed or encouraged to leave their positions with benefits like VERA and Deferred Resignation, USAID employees can expect more changes on the way.
How Federal Workers Can Protect Themselves from Elon Musk’s Email Ultimatum
After weeks of cutting down the workforce at various agencies, all federal workers were told to respond to an email with 5 things they accomplished at work last week. Failure to respond to the email was said to be equal to a resignation. Although some agencies have already directed their employees not to respond to the email, there is lots of confusion surrounding the order. For federal workers, this is a stressful time. And while there’s no way to know what comes next in the federal government, you can be sure of two things: This administration will continue to cut down on the federal workforce.You have options to secure your financial future so you don’t have to worry if your job will be next to be cut.
IRS Job Cuts Target Probationary Employees: 5 Strategies for Stability
After weeks of reshaping the federal workforce with RIFs, VERA, and layoffs, DOGE has now turned its focus to the IRS and will reportedly fire around 6,000 employees across the nation. Similar to other agencies, like the EPA, these firings will mostly target employees still in their probationary period since they have fewer workplace protections, though it could impact others too. We’ve heard from hundreds of federal workers, and we understand their concerns. They’re watching thousands of others suddenly find themselves without jobs, and are worried they might be next to be eliminated. We take these concerns seriously, and we’ve collected a list of ways you can protect yourself – especially if you’re a probationary employee.
Avoid Getting Stuck in OPM’s Backlog: 4 Federal Retirement Options to Explore Now
Whether it’s because of the end of telework, the return of Schedule F, the offer of Deferred Resignation, or the push for DOGE initiatives like updated tech in the office, applications are on the rise. And these changes are likely coming ahead of more layoffs, reductions in force, and VERA-like initiatives. Accumulating applications can make life extra difficult for employees waiting on an approval; their lives are put on hold, keeping them from finding the medical care they need, prioritizing their health, and getting back to daily life with family and friends.
Deferred Resignation FAQs: A Simple Guide for Federal Employees
Thinking about Deferred Resignation but not sure if it’s the right choice? You’re not alone – the decision can feel overwhelming, and we’ve been getting lots of questions about it. To make things easier, we’ve put together a simple Q&A with the answers you need to help you decide what’s best for you.
The Federal Employee’s Guide to New Executive Orders and Actions
Since his first day in office, President Trump has been signing executive orders, memos, and plans to reshape the federal workforce, all aimed at creating a more efficient government. So far, this has meant reducing the number of workers and updating old tech that clogs up processes. Things are changing quickly, so here’s a regularly updated guide on the most relevant issues for federal employees.
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