The U.S. Education Department is currently spending over $7 million each month on salaries for employees who have been placed on administrative leave, according to the American Federation of Government Employees
(AFGE) Local 252. This follows a series of controversial layoffs carried out in March as part of former President Donald Trump’s efforts to streamline government operations. Approximately 1,300 employees were terminated, and many others accepted voluntary buyouts under the plan.
Initially, affected workers were scheduled to stop receiving pay after June 9. However, a federal court ruling in May blocked the White House’s attempt to dismantle the department, resulting in the workers being reinstated but not allowed to return to their duties. These employees are now stuck in a state of “administrative leave,” where they continue to draw salaries without any active work responsibilities. The AFGE reports that over $21 million has already been paid over three months, with costs expected to continue rising as legal disputes persist.
Emotional Strain and Frustration Among Employees
Many affected employees have expressed discomfort and embarrassment over receiving pay without being able to contribute to their work. Ariel Shepetovskiy, a department lawyer, described the situation as feeling “like garbage” and said she feels like a burden on taxpayers. Despite the emotional toll, she is staying in her position with hopes of being reinstated in the future.
Similarly, Robert Jason Cottrell, a data coordinator, voiced frustration over being unable to fulfill his duties. He compared the situation to being on welfare and emphasized his willingness and ability to work. These sentiments reflect the widespread dissatisfaction among employees, who find themselves caught between job insecurity and an inability to carry out their responsibilities.
An internal email reviewed revealed that the department is working to find ways to reintegrate employees. Plans are underway to update security access, technology, and workspaces to eventually bring staff back to full operability.
Education Department Settlement Offers Spark Controversy Amid Ongoing Lawsuits
As the legal battle unfolds, the Education Department has begun offering settlements to some employees in exchange for their resignations. These offers would cover salaries through September, provided recipients agree to drop their pending cases, some of which are under review by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Several employees described these offers as “scammy,” suggesting they were framed as friendly negotiations but ultimately felt manipulative.
Sheria Smith, president of AFGE Local 252, criticized the offers, describing them as an effort to push dedicated public servants out of their roles. Smith, who was also laid off in March, reported that over a dozen employees had been approached with such offers recently.
Victoria DeLano, currently on administrative leave, refused the settlement, stating that accepting it would eliminate her chance of returning to work. “So many of us are just holding on because we know how important this work is,” she said.
As multiple agencies across Washington face similar lawsuits and workforce disruptions, the Education Department’s case has become a focal point in the broader debate over the consequences of deep government cuts and how they are managed.
