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New Jersey Attorney General Platkin Warns Federal Workers About “Deferred Resignation” Scheme
AG joins 11-state coalition cautioning employees against misleading Trump administration offer.
TRENTON – New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, together with attorneys general from 11 other states, has issued a stark warning to federal employees regarding a “deferred resignation” program touted by the Trump administration’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The program claims to offer federal staff continued pay and benefits until September 30, 2025, if they resign their positions by February 6, but major federal employee unions and state officials call it deceptive.
“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.”
The Deferred Resignation Offer
On January 28, OPM sent an email to millions of federal employees outlining the new “deferred resignation” plan. According to OPM’s message, workers who opt in would resign immediately yet maintain all pay, benefits, and freedom from in-person work requirements through September 30. Another email, sent on January 30, reiterated the offer, urging employees to leave the public sector for “higher productivity” roles. OPM warned those who refused to resign that continued employment was not guaranteed.
Federal unions quickly advised members against accepting the plan:
- American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE): Alerted members that the promised benefits of the deferred resignation offer were not assured and could jeopardize employees’ career prospects.
- National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE): Reiterated similar warnings, stating members should not act on what appears to be an “unofficial, risky proposal” lacking legal safeguards.
Likewise, a coalition of 12 state attorneys general, led by AG Platkin, sounded the alarm. They noted that nothing in federal law compels OPM to honor its promise of continued pay and benefits, making the proposal misleading and potentially detrimental to employees’ job security.
Risks of Acceptance
Attorney General Platkin and his colleagues underline that by agreeing to resign, federal workers risk losing current or future job protections without any binding guarantee of continued compensation. The supposed benefits could be revoked at any time. Further complicating matters:
- Those accepting the deal could forfeit tenure rights and career advancement within the federal government.
- Claims about “higher productivity” private-sector jobs ignore that employees may face uncertain hiring markets or less favorable benefits.
In his statement, AG Platkin stressed the importance of reliable, transparent hiring and termination practices in federal employment. New Jersey’s top law enforcement official is joined by attorneys general from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington in warning federal personnel of the dangers inherent in the OPM offer.
Unions and state authorities recommend that employees who are unsure of their rights or the credibility of the “deferred resignation” proposition consult a legal advisor or union representative before making any irrevocable decision.
