Judge further pauses 'Fork in the Road' resignation offer to federal employees
A controversial resignation offer for federal employees, known as the "Fork in the Road" directive, is now in the hands of a federal judge, leaving thousands of veterinary professionals employed by the government uncertain about their future.
After a hearing today, U.S. District Judge George O'Toole once again delayed the Trump administration's deferred resignation program "until further order of the Court," prolonging the uncertainty for federal veterinarians working at agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Federal Veterinarians Caught in the Crossfire
The resignation directive, initially communicated via email by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), gave more than 2 million civilian employees just nine days to decide whether to stay in their roles—without job guarantees—or resign with pay and benefits until the end of September. This decision has left many veterinary professionals, including those responsible for public health, food safety, and disease prevention, in an impossible position.
A controversial deferred resignation offer, requiring over two million federal employees to decide whether to resign or risk termination, has sparked nationwide concern. Among those affected are more than 3,000 veterinary professionals working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
With federal veterinarians playing a crucial role in zoonotic disease surveillance, food inspection, and military service animal care, the potential mass departure of experienced professionals could disrupt essential services. The National Association of Federal Veterinarians (NAFV) has expressed deep concern, stating that the directive could create "an immediate and dangerous gap in critical public health and safety operations."
Legal Challenge: Unions Call the Offer "Unlawful"
Labor unions, representing more than 800,000 civil servants—including a significant number of veterinarians—have sued the administration, calling the resignation offer "arbitrary and capricious." They argue that OPM lacks the authority to promise extended pay and benefits beyond the current federal budget cycle, which expires on March 14.
Additionally, unions have pointed to the chaotic rollout of the directive, which included conflicting guidance for employees in key federal veterinary roles, including those working for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and military veterinary services. Some employees were initially told they were excluded from the offer, only to receive later communications stating otherwise.
According to NPR, Elena Goldstein, an attorney representing the unions, described the directive as "reckless" and accused the administration of attempting to "reshape the federal workforce on ideological grounds without regard for the consequences to public health and food safety."
Government Defends the Plan
In court, Department of Justice attorney Eric Hamilton defended the offer, calling it a "humane offramp" for those unwilling to work under forthcoming "reforms," which reportedly include layoffs, a return-to-office mandate, and a stricter loyalty expectation. The government argues that the resignation program is voluntary and does not require congressional approval, as employees would remain on duty and receive regular pay until September 30.
However, advocacy groups warn that the directive could lead to an exodus of veterinarians from federal service, crippling programs that monitor animal disease outbreaks, conduct food safety inspections, and support national security through the military veterinary corps.
State Attorneys General Warn of Public Health Risks
Attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia have filed a legal brief warning of the "devastating impact" the resignation offer could have on public services, including food safety, disease prevention, and emergency response capabilities.
Uncertainty Continues for Federal Veterinary Workforce
As Judge O'Toole considers the case, the uncertainty remains for federal veterinarians dedicated to protecting animal and public health. Whether they stay or leave, the "Fork in the Road" directive has already sent shockwaves through the federal veterinary community, raising concerns about the long-term stability of vital government programs.
