Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has aligned with a coalition of 21 state attorneys general to support federal employees in contesting the Trump administration's "buyout" plan. The coalition filed an amicus brief backing a motion for a temporary restraining order by several unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and others, against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) directive known as "Fork in the Road."

The directive, issued on January 28, 2025, required federal workers to decide quickly between accepting a controversial "buyout" or facing potential termination. Federal employees were given until February 6 to opt for "deferred resignation," which would allow them to resign while retaining pay and benefits until September 30, 2025.

Attorney General Bonta criticized the directive, stating: “This much is clear: the Trump Administration continues to trample over the rights of workers.” He emphasized that federal employees are vital for providing necessary services and contributing to the economy.

The plaintiff unions have taken legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. They argue that the directive and its frequently revised FAQs led to confusion among federal employees due to what they claim is an illegal deadline conflicting with federal ethics regulations. U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. has temporarily stayed this deadline until February 10, pending a hearing.

In their brief, the attorneys general highlighted how this coercive measure could negatively impact public servants and potentially harm government operations at all levels by indiscriminately removing essential personnel.

Attorney General Bonta is joined by his counterparts from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia in this legal effort.