The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has offered the deferred resignation “buyout” to its entire workforce, The Wall Street Journal reports. The CIA is the first major national security agency to do so. Workers have until tomorrow, February 6, to accept the offer.
A January 28 email to 2.3 million federal workers offered the chance to take the buyout with eight months of paid administrative leave. However, it was unclear if all CIA personnel were eligible. The email stated that national security positions and “those in any other positions specifically excluded by your employing agency” are not eligible.
A CIA spokesperson and other sources stated that CIA Director John Ratcliffe wanted the agency to be involved in the buyout. The spokesperson said Ratcliffe wants to “ensure the CIA workforce is responsive to the administration’s national security priorities.” The spokesperson added that it is “part of a holistic strategy to infuse the agency with renewed energy.”
The buyout is one of many sweeping changes the Trump administration is making that will have far-reaching effects on the federal workplace.
We spoke with employment attorney Alan Lescht and asked his advice to federal workers in regards to the buyout offer. Lescht urged federal workers to seek legal counsel, stay informed, and to download their official personnel file. He notes the files are online and available 24/7. “A lot of federal employees don’t even know this, which is kind of shocking to me,” Lescht says. He also emphasizes that anything you discuss with a lawyer will be kept confidential.
Feature image courtesy Daniren/Alamy Stock Photo
