Photo credit: www.govexec.com

USDA Signals Major Changes Ahead for Workforce Management

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has alerted its workforce about impending transformations aimed at streamlining operations, which may lead to significant layoffs across its nearly 100,000-strong workforce. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins communicated these developments to staff in a recent message, indicating that the department will soon identify and eliminate “duplicative” or “redundant” functions, which could involve the closure of offices in the Washington area.

With the department looking to enhance efficiency, Rollins has encouraged employees to consider voluntary departures from government service. In line with this initiative, USDA has reactivated a program that allows employees to take paid leave through September before officially resigning. This “deferred resignation program” (DRP) was first introduced to employees in February, with approximately 75,000 government workers opting to participate.

In her communication, Rollins emphasized the department’s goal to optimize its operations but noted that there would be no guarantees regarding which positions would be maintained or their future locations within the USDA. The proposed restructuring will primarily target business support positions and aims to eliminate unnecessary layers of management. Furthermore, Rollins indicated that employee relocation would be a focus, as the department seeks to be “closer to the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers we serve.”

This shift is expected to include the closure of certain facilities to reduce the department’s presence in the Washington, D.C. area and other regions of the country. Elements of this downsizing plan are already emerging. Sources have indicated that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) may consolidate its ten regional offices into as few as three. The USFS research division, which employs about 1,500 individuals and focuses on critical areas like fire risk modeling and forest restoration, is anticipated to face substantial cuts. Additionally, the agency’s five Research Stations may also experience reductions, while changes are expected for the nation’s 154 National Forests, which are likely to be consolidated.

Further, plans are in motion to relocate the Wildland Fire division to a different governmental unit. Reports suggest that the USFS headquarters in Washington D.C. will undergo significant downsizing.

Rollins highlighted the impending reductions in force (RIF) alongside the reopening of the DRP window, providing employees until April 8 to accept the offer. Those who participate will enter a period of paid administrative leave from April 15 to April 30, and some may also opt for an early retirement incentive, though eligibility varies by role.

Certain categories of employees at the USFS, including law enforcement personnel and firefighters below the General Schedule-10 pay grade, will not be eligible to participate in the DRP.

One USDA employee expressed her intent to accept the DRP offer, citing it as a stepping stone towards retirement and a means to escape the uncertainty that has permeated her work environment. “I can’t stand another four years of this mental roller coaster,” she shared, reflecting the anxiety many feel as they face the potential of receiving RIF notices.

Amid these changes, a union representative at USDA noted a significant increase in employee interest in the DRP compared to the initial offering. However, the union has yet to receive any official communication regarding the details of the planned layoffs.

The USDA’s actions coincide with those of other federal agencies, including the General Services Administration, Small Business Administration, and the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Defense, and Energy, all of which have also offered a second round of deferred resignations. The American Federation of Government Employees and other unions have raised concerns over the program, arguing that the administration should have established new regulations for its implementation.

While the administration maintains that agencies are functioning independently regarding these decisions, there is notable consistency in the language used by both USDA and SBA in announcing their respective DRPs.

Source
www.govexec.com