AFGE TEAM, 

We have reached out to get answers to all of your questions regarding OPMs email. Below you will see what we have sent so far and are awaiting responses. Do not resign or reply to any emails until updates follow. 

All,

In light of the recent OPM FAQs concerning the current deferred resignation offer, AFGE Local 1647 is requesting Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYADs) official stance (as of today, 3 Feb 25) on the following. 

1. Are TYAD bargaining unit employees eligible to accept the deferred resignation offer?
   1. Last we heard (29 Jan 25), DoD employees are eligible, however, there may be some functional areas exempt.
   2. If there are exempt positions within TYAD, what are they and why?

2. Will accepting TYAD employees have their workload immediately transitioned to another employee with the intent to promptly place the employee on paid administrative leave?
   1. OPM allows for a delay, but the intent of the program is that employees will not have to work during the deferred resignation period.
   2. If TYAD plans on delays, how long are they expected?
   3. Will TYAD employees be exempt from the proposed Return to Work requirements throughout the deferred resignation period?

3. Is TYAD offering VERA for employees who opt to take the deferred resignation?
   1. OPM states yes, unless the position is exempt.
   2. Are there any exemptions at TYAD?

4. Will TYAD extend the deferred resignation period and VERA through 31 Dec 25 for those employees who will be eligible for retirement between 1 Oct 25 and 31 Dec 25?
   1. OPM indicted yes, unless the position is exempt.
   2. Are there any exemptions at TYAD?

5. Will TYAD enter into a written formal agreement with each TYAD employee reflecting the terms of their specific offer?
   1. As of 30 Jan 25 (LMC Meeting), TYAD stated they couldn’t/wouldn’t.
   2. As of 2 Feb 25, OPM indicates the answer is yes, and agencies can execute paperwork reflecting the terms.

6. In the case of a government shutdown and/or other AWCF funding issue which would affect paying employees through the deferred resignation period, will TYAD support employees ability to collect backpay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 like OPM states?

7. Will TYAD follow OPM’s guidance and waive any requirement for the employee to be available to be called in to work while on paid administrative leave?
   1. Will TYAD employees be allowed to pursue and accept another job during the deferred resignation period and/or on paid administrative leave?

8. Will TYAD employees receive full pay and benefits, e.g., personal leave days, current compensation, retirement accruals, etc.) during the deferred resignation period?

9. Will TYAD employees maintain their current FEHB coverage, to include the government continuing to pay it’s established portion?

We want to ensure consistent communications and expectations for our bargaining unit.

Request a response NLT COB 3 Feb 25.  The OPM suspense for accepting this offer is 6 Feb 25, and employees deserve specific guidance and expectations prior to that suspense.  If the Agency is unable to provide specific guidance and expectations prior to OPM’s 6 Feb 25 suspense,  will there be an extension granted.

We can be reached at X57789 for any questions.