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FEDERAL WORKERS, STAY IN YOUR JOBS AND HELP RESIST THE TRUMP-MUSK
TAKEOVER
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Sarah Van Gelder
February 4, 2025
Common Dreams
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_ The email sent to federal employees urging them to resign in
exchange for uncertain benefits is clearly aimed at purging critical
government employees and replacing them with loyalists and ideologues.
_
A graphic shared on the Subreddit r/union urges federal employees not
to resign., r/Union
Federal workers are on the front lines of the Trump-Musk regime’s
illegal and destructive orders.
The email sent to federal employees urging them to resign in exchange
for uncertain benefits is clearly aimed at purging critical government
employees and replacing them with loyalists and ideologues.
The email promises workers up to eight months of pay if they resign by
February 6. At first glance, this might sound like a generous offer.
But neither Elon Musk [[link removed]] nor
U.S. President Donald Trump
[[link removed]] have the legal
authority to make such a promise.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), senior Democrat on the Senate
Appropriations Committee, in an email Sunday expressed deep skepticism
about the promises.
There is no guarantee workers who accept this offer will get paid
through September 30 as promised. Not only is there no funding for
that time frame right now, but I personally am deeply skeptical of any
offer from a president like Donald Trump who has so consistently shown
he will try to stiff workers if it furthers his personal goals and
ambitions.
Just ask Elon Musk’s employees at Tesla, SpaceX, or Twitter/X, and
you’ll find similar disregard for employees.
Robert Reich,
[[link removed]]
former Secretary of Labor, points out, federal salaries are funded
through the agencies and departments that employees work for—not
from the whims of Elon Musk or Donald Trump. Congress must approve any
allocation of funds.
Even more troubling: If federal employees take the bait, they may find
themselves without pay or legal recourse.
“Musk (and Trump) are violating the law by agreeing to spend money
that the administration doesn’t have,” Reich said. “Congress
could declare the entire offer illegal—which it _is._ Then where
would you be?”
“May I also add that you shouldn’t trust Trump or Musk.”
Dismantling the Services We Rely on—and Accountability
This isn’t just about bad offers or broken promises—it’s about
dismantling the United States government. Federal employees are
responsible for maintaining essential services, safeguarding public
health, protecting the environment, and upholding the Constitution.
The effort to push them out isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s
about weakening the integrity of our democratic institutions. That
should be clear following the recent firing of inspectors general
[[link removed]].
As Reich emphasizes, this is an attempt to install loyalists who are
more concerned with personal allegiance than public service. This is a
direct threat to the functioning of our democracy. The removal of
experienced, skilled civil servants would create dangerous
vacancies—places where sycophants and ideologues can do serious
harm. If this agenda succeeds, it could pave the way for more
aggressive autocratic control.
Solidarity and Resistance Are Key
In response to these threats, know that there is widespread support
for federal workers and offers of legal assistance, whistleblower
protections, and job-search help for those who feel forced to leave
their positions. The importance of this work cannot be overstated.
Solidarity in this moment is essential—not only for federal
employees but for the future of our democracy.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
SUBREDDIT FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES [[link removed]]:
If you want to see what federal employees are saying when they can
express their feelings freely, check out this Subreddit
[[link removed]]. This is an eye-opening glimpse at
the Trump-Musk administration’s profound disruption of our
government, and also showcases the deep commitment many federal
workers have for upholding democracy and the Constitution.
CIVIL SERVICE STRONG [[link removed]],
an organization of pro-democracy groups and unions offering
information and resources about how you can protect your rights as an
employee of the federal government and protect your safety if
attacked. The site includes an FAQ
[[link removed]] on
the Trump administration’s recent “Fork in the Road” mass email
encouraging federal employees to quit.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE RESOURCE HUB
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includes whistleblower resources, information on federal employee
rights, a guide to filing an appeal, and more.
GAO WHISTLEBLOWER RESOURCES:
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How to anonymously report misconduct within government agencies.
THE JUSTICE CONNECTION: [[link removed]] Formed
by employees forced out of their positions at the Justice Dept. to
support those still working while facing political pressure or
retaliation.
HATCH AMENDMENT: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TO SPEAK OUT
[[link removed]]:
This publication from the Office of Special Counsel lists activities
that are prohibited and permitted for government employees. (Download
before it is removed from the web).
If you’re a federal worker, your service is deeply appreciated and
essential to our nation’s future. You may feel isolated or uncertain
right now, but know that you’re not alone. There are millions of
people who value the work you do. Stand strong, and don’t let this
offer trick you into giving up your rights or your livelihood.
What You Can Do
Those who don’t work for the federal government can help:
* THANK A FEDERAL WORKER FOR THEIR SERVICE. Whether that’s your
postal carrier, your healthcare provider, or a TSA worker at the
airport, let them know that their work is noticed and appreciated, and
tell them to stay strong.
* SHARE RESOURCES LIKE THOSE ABOVE with friends, neighbors,
coworkers, and others who work in federal government or who knows
someone who does. Let them know that support and information is
available.
* CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE and ask them to take a stand against
this overreach. Regardless of party, it is their duty to defend the
Constitution and the integrity of the federal workforce. If you’re
not sure who your representative is, type your zip code in at House of
Representatives website
[[link removed]]. For
Senators, call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
This Is the Moment We’ve Been Warned of
The actions being taken by the Trump-Musk regime are not just damaging
to federal workers—they are damaging to people throughout our
country, our natural environment, and our democratic form of
government. This is the fascist takeover we’ve been warned of.
The stakes are historically high. It will take many of us, alone
and—even more powerfully—in groups of workers, pro-democracy
activists, unions, faith groups, and friends to mount a strong and
ethical resistance.
It will be hard work, but if we stand together, we’ll come out
stronger and more resilient, clearer about our values, with stronger
communities and a more people-centered democracy.
===
Sarah van Gelder is founder PeoplesHub.org, co-founder of YES!
Magazine, and author of The Revolution Where You Live: Stories from a
12,000 Mile Journey Through a New America
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More of her work can be found at her Substack, How We Rise
[[link removed]].
* Federal Workers; Resist Trump; Resources for Federal Workers;
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