Mary Smigielski Speaks With NBC 5 Chicago About Trump Administration’s Buyout Offer to 2M Federal Workers

Chicago, Ill. (January 30, 2025) - Chicago Partner Mary Smigielski recently spoke with NBC 5 Chicago about the implications of the Trump administration's buyout offer to about two million federal employees. 

NBC 5's segment delved into the details of the administration's offer, which was communicated to federal workers via an emailed memo from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management on Jan. 28. The memo gave the recipients until Feb. 6 to respond. 

Federal employees who accept the buyout will be put on leave but still be fully paid with benefits until Sept. 30. Most of those who wish to remain in their positions will be required to work in-person at their physical offices five days per week, per the memo.

Ms. Smigielski told NBC 5 that the "suddenness of it is very concerning," given that "people need to make a decision by [Feb. 6] and there is limited information out there."

"Typically when you have a buyout, so to speak, it's an early retirement program, and it's very specific," she said. In addition, Ms. Smigielski pointed out that there is nothing in the offer that would prohibit "one from taking another job during this resignation period."

Ms. Smigielski advised federal employees who received the buyout offer to consult with their HR departments and unions before accepting it. 

"This should not change what pension is available to someone or when they would receive the pension," she added.

Ms. Smigielski is the Midwest Regional Vice Chair of Lewis Brisbois' Labor & Employment Practice and the leader of the firm’s Chicago Employment Practice. She is also serving as chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s (CBA) Labor & Employment Law Committee for the 2024-2025 term.

View the full NBC 5 segment here.