The Department of Veterans Affairs under President Donald Trump’s administration has decided to exempt over 200,000 workers from the ‘buyout’ offer, specifying key positions that are vital for the agency’s operations.
In a recent bulletin sent out by the Veterans Affairs Department’s Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, a list of ‘excluded positions’ was provided, including primary care physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other essential medical specialists.
Exemption for Vital Roles
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) noted that more than 140 occupations were on the exemption list, resulting in a significant number of workers no longer being eligible for deferred resignations.
A spokesperson from the VA mentioned that the department collaborated with the White House and the Office of Personnel Management to identify over 130 occupations that are not eligible for the Deferred Resignation Program.
Unforeseen Confusion
Despite the offer, there has been confusion within the agency regarding eligibility criteria. Employees were instructed to continue working until their status was confirmed by their supervisors, leading to inefficiencies and wasted resources.
Thomas Dargon from AFGE expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the program and its impact on government efficiency, highlighting the need for clarity and effective communication.
Existing Staffing Challenges
The Veterans Affairs Department already faces staffing shortages, with health facilities reporting severe occupational shortages in various roles. The agency has struggled to maintain adequate numbers of nurses and psychologists, impacting the quality of care provided to veterans.
Extended Deadline
Initially, the Trump administration set a deadline for federal workers to opt into the deferred resignation offer, but a legal challenge resulted in a deadline extension. Workers now have until Monday to accept the offer.
Stay updated for more developments on how these changes will affect the operations and workforce at the Veterans Affairs Department.
