A controversial program offered by the Trump administration to federal employees has led to uncertainty among workers at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
CNBC reported that the "deferred resignation" plan, which promised continued pay and benefits despite resigning, was halted by a Boston judge amid legal challenges and confusion over its validity.
Chonda Loder, who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, is among more than 60,000 federal employees who accepted this offer.
This decision was prompted by concerns regarding job security and a desire for a role better suited to her family's needs.
In late January, federal employees received an offer granting them the chance to submit deferred resignations while receiving pay and benefits until September. The initiative reached approximately 2 million federal workers, with potential resignations set for a deadline on February 6.
The legality and feasibility of the offer were promptly challenged by federal officials, union representatives, and legal experts. Just hours before the deadline, a judge in Boston issued a halt to the plan, introducing further confusion among employees.
Loder, who teleworks from her home in Kentucky, sought stability through her federal role due to her military background.
The promise of continued pay and the potential of remote work ending with the administration’s new directives contributed to her resignation decision.
A court hearing took place on February 10 to weigh the merits and legality of the deferred resignation program. Many federal employees, like Loder, experienced uncertainty and sought answers amidst these legal proceedings.
Loder's role as a purchasing agent, conducted remotely, had provided a flexible work arrangement ideal for her responsibilities as a mother.
However, her previous job instability and the abrupt end of a Department of Energy contract in 2023 contributed to her inclination to accept the resignation offer.
Despite her resignation submission, Loder expressed frustration over the lack of communications from human resources regarding its processing status. She remains in the dark about the implications for her pay and benefits.
The deferred resignation plan has deeply affected federal workers' confidence in job security. Loder expressed her apprehensions: “It was the security for me, but it’s a roller coaster right now.” Her situation reflects the feelings of many who are grappling with the offer's ambiguity.
Loder aims to continue working until month-end, while she awaits further information and clarification. The uncertainty also extends to her fellow employees, as evidenced by an anonymous source who declined the offer. The source cited unclear information as a reason for rejecting the resignation proposition.
Loder’s concerns intensified following the administration's announcement to end remote work for federal employees, further signaling potential instability in her role. She noted how this was “an alarm” as she considered the family-friendly aspects of her job.
Loder has additional financial considerations, such as running a gym she established in 2023, and her fiancé's self-employment. Despite the resignation offer’s potential pitfalls, these circumstances weigh heavily on her decision-making process.
Her focus remains on ensuring stability for her family while balancing her responsibilities at the VA. Loder remarked on the necessity of caring for veterans, underscoring the importance of her work.
Future developments regarding the court’s decision on the deferred resignation program will significantly impact Loder’s career and personal life. Many workers, like her, continue to navigate the uncertainties created by this initiative.
