A federal judge has extended the deadline for federal workers to accept the Trump administration’s buyout offer.
The court is set to weigh the merits of blocking the offer in a Monday hearing.
The big picture: The initial deadline – last Thursday – for federal workers to decide whether to take the deal was extended to give workers more time to consider the offer’s terms.
- The buyout offer guarantees employees eight months of pay and benefits in exchange for leaving the federal workforce, allowing them to leave without showing up to work and find another job.
- However, there are legal and logistical challenges associated with the offer, as the contract contains provisions that undercut the promised benefits, such as potential continued work requirements and limitations on outside employment.
- The Trump administration assured workers they would be paid regardless of federal funding lapses in March, but the contract restricts employees’ recourse for addressing any issues with the offer.
What we’re watching: While 40,000 federal employees have reportedly accepted the deal, the White House anticipates this number to rise as the deadline approaches.
- The outcome of the Monday hearing will determine whether the buyouts will be further blocked as litigation continues.
