Transportation Department Offers New Buyout to Thousands of Federal Workers

The U.S. Transportation Department is offering employees a second chance to accept a voluntary buyout, allowing them to leave government service with pay and benefits through September 30. Employees must decide by April 7, and the offer excludes critical public safety positions such as air traffic controllers and safety inspectors. This initiative follows an earlier buyout program in February, which saw approximately 75,000 federal employees participate, representing about 3% of the federal workforce. The overall goal of these buyouts is part of broader efforts to reduce the federal workforce by 5% to 10%. The buyout aims to help streamline operations and reduce costs amidst ongoing government downsizing efforts. The communication about the buyout was sent via email to staff, highlighting its voluntary nature and protections against involuntary separations for participants.