Everett Kelley, the AFGE’s National President, expressed his approval of the temporary pause. “We’re pleased the court has halted the deadline while we present our case,” he said. “We remain steadfast in our belief that this program is unlawful, and we will continue to vigorously protect our members’ rights.”
Legal Implications and Future Outlook
The ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle, putting the government’s plan on hold as the court assesses whether the directive is legally sound. The case is set to move forward on Monday, when the judge will hear further arguments before deciding the future of the buyout offer.
While the legal landscape remains fluid, this temporary injunction represents a major setback for the administration’s efforts to implement the “deferred resignation” program. For now, federal employees have more time to weigh their options, but the larger question of whether this program is legal still hangs in the balance.
