Employees turn their backs on secretary of agriculture after being transferred to Kansas City

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Lost announced Thursday morning that the Economic Research Service, which provides research and statistical analysis to lawmakers, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which allocates funds federal for research, will be transferred from Washington, DC to Kansas City – the final announcement in a process that began last year.

The moment of solidarity comes after the two agencies – the Economic Research Service last month and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture – voted overwhelmingly in favor of unionization to defeat this initiative, which many see as a political decision.

Lost announced the final relocation site in a letter that was distributed to employees on Thursday morning. Perdue and the ministry argued that this measure would reduce the cost of living, save taxpayers money and bring agencies closer to "stakeholders".

"After a rigorous site selection process, the Kansas City area offers a winning solution – maximizing our mission function by integrating taxpayer savings into programmatic products and providing affordable means, easy travel and a lifetime of living. extraordinary for our employees, "said Perdue. "The Kansas City area has proven to be a hub of agriculture and a booming city in the heart of America.

Towards the end of his nine-minute speech, Perdue said, "Pulling yourself out of the Capital Region does not diminish your importance." The secretary did not ask the employees any questions after speaking.

But outside observers, current employees and members of Congress have rejected the plan since its first announcement last year, claiming it was a way to disrupt climate research and others. work with which their bosses might not be in agreement.

Kevin Hunt, Acting Vice President of the ERS Union, condemned this measure, which he described as "cold" and "underlines his contempt for the rights and well-being of employees".

"The Lost Secretary constantly talks about transparency and communication with employees, but has failed on both fronts," Hunt said.

A surveillance group opposed to the move previously stated that offshoring was a "roundabout" means of downsizing.

The announcement included a cost-benefit analysis report stating that the agency would save $ 300 million over 15 years.

The USDA has also turned around with its previously announced plan to reorganize the Economic Research Service under a political branch of the department, saying it would not go forward with this. decision "after hearing the reactions of stakeholders and members of Congress," according to the statement released Thursday.

The agency will continue to be part of the department's research, education and economics mission.

The relocation plan drew opposition from House Democrats, who included in their budget language prohibiting the USDA from using the funds allocated by Congress to relocate any of the outside agencies. from the capital. A group of Democratic senators also introduced a bill banning the USDA from relocating research agencies.

During a conference call with reporters Thursday afternoon, Mr. Perdue said that "Congress can do what it does, and we will respect it". He added that they have done their best to convince Congress and hope that this decision will be considered a "legitimate executive function".

The USDA's Inspector General is also investigating whether Perdue is legally entitled to relocate agencies.

Lost also thanked the two research agencies for their "professionalism" and stated that it was "understandable" that some expressed dissatisfaction. He added that this decision was not made "thinking about a disruption" and that federal employees enjoyed many other opportunities within the government they chose to stay. Employees were to receive their reassignment information on Thursday.

"I am convinced that once people who choose to relocate will be able to move to Kansas City, I think there will be more fury in trying to get them back after three or four years to move them here, "said Perdue. "It's not like a business closing in a rural America where there are no other jobs."

Other agencies within the USDA also experience uncertainties.

Last month, the USDA announced that it would stop operating the Civilian Job Corps Conservation Centers, which help train low-income rural students so that they can cope national emergencies, and transfer them to the Ministry of Labor. According to the announcement, nine out of 25 centers are expected to close as part of the move, and a spokeswoman for the National Federation of Federal Employees (CNF) told CNN that the move is cutting more than 1,000 jobs.

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