USDA cuts buyout packages for employees who will not relocate



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The one-time payouts are being reduced from $ 25,000 to $ 10,000 because of many applied workers, according to the document.

The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents workers at the affected agencies, says employees of the two research-related agencies that are being moved out of the Washington area are "extremely upset."

A USDA spokesperson told CNN that the department said it was made to order, rather than offer the first-come, first-served basis. Workers still have the option to refuse the discount if they decide to relocate, the spokesperson added.

The change comes after a union-compiled survey released last month showed an overwhelming number of the reassigned employees. crucial reports, including data on agricultural markets and estimates of US and international agricultural productivity.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has argued that the move will lower costs and save taxpayers USDA serves. The Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Agriculture and Agri-Food (NIFA) are two of the most affected agencies in the world. pushing out experienced staff.
Employees from both agencies turned their backs to the last time when they announced the final location for the move.

USDA officials and scientific and agricultural associations have come out against the plan, arguing that it can be trained and put in place.

"ERS is ranked as number one in the world of institutions in the field of agricultural economics," commenting on leadership in economic research, "56 USDA trainers wrote in a letter submitted to Congress. "This proposal puts a world-wide research agency at risk and could set the federal statistical system at a time when the United States should be leading the world in innovation."

The USDA's general inspector is investigating whether

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