LANSING, MI — The state’s top attorney is warning more than 29,000 federal workers in Michigan to exercise caution before participating in the Trump administration’s “deferred resignation” program.
The federal government’s human resources agency, the Office of Personnel Management, sent an email to over 2 million federal employees last week. According to the message, employees who voluntarily resign before February 6 will receive approximately eight months’ pay.
On Jan. 30, the OPM sent a follow-up email reiterating the offer and encouraging employees to look for “higher productivity jobs” outside of the government sector. The email stated that those who did not resign were not guaranteed to keep their positions.
According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the buyout offer is misleading, and federal workers are not guaranteed benefits for quitting.
“I take my role to protect Michigan consumers very seriously, and that includes the tens of thousands of federal workers who call this state home,” Nessel told the crowd.
“Those considering a buyout should read the fine print before signing and exercise caution, as certain benefits may not be guaranteed. Employees who are represented by a union should consult with their labor representatives before making any contract changes.
As of December 2024, Michigan is home to at least 29,000 federal employees. That excludes uniformed personnel and contractors. The state is home to eleven military bases.
Michigan’s Attorney General is not alone in her message.
Unions representing federal employees, such as the American Federation of Government Employees, also warned workers that accepting the deal did not guarantee them the benefits.
Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Washington have issued their own warnings.
