Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
- The IRS has announced new plans to trim its workforce, though it's not clear how the agency's Ogden-area workers will be impacted.
- At the same time, the Treasury Department has announced a second buyout offer geared to IRS employees.
- The Trump administration's moves to trim the federal workforce have prompted a backlash from some Ogden IRS employees.
WASHINGTON — The nation's IRS employees are the focus of a renewed effort to trim their ranks, according to a memo sent to agency workers.
It's not clear, however, how the planned reduction in force, or RIF, will impact the contingent of 7,500 or so IRS workers in Ogden. "This message is only notification that the IRS has begun the RIF process and does not serve as your official notification. Each office will receive direct communication when their phase begins," reads the memo, sent Friday and obtained by KSL NewsRadio.
At the same time, the Treasury Department, which oversees the IRS, sent an email to all IRS workers on Saturday putting a second buyout offer to them. Those who apply for the second Deferred Resignation Program, or DRP 2.0, and are deemed eligible can get paid leave to quit starting as early as April 28 and lasting through Sept. 30, similar to the first offer. "If you choose not to continue in your current role in the federal workforce, we thank you for your service to your country," reads the email, also obtained by KSL NewsRadio.
Reps from one of the union locals representing Ogden-area IRS workers didn't respond to queries Monday seeking comment; neither did officials from the IRS and Treasury Department. At any rate, the efforts of President Donald Trump's administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, managed by businessman Elon Musk, to reduce the federal workforce have had a chilling effect on some IRS workers in Ogden.
Some IRS workers and their advocates have taken part in recent demonstrations to air their concerns with moves to slash the federal workforce and weaken their unions. A public message Sunday on the Facebook page of the Ogden area chapter of the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents IRS workers, lauded local participation in rallies on Saturday targeting Trump and his government.
"Your voices were heard — and your presence made a difference. If you couldn't make it, it's not too late to stand up and be counted. Talk to your friends and family about the vital role federal employees play in keeping our country running," reads the message. It goes on, urging IRS employees to "tell your representatives that federal employees will not take this attack lying down."
The Trump administration says moves to scale back the federal workforce are about reducing government spending and bloat. "This action is being taken to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the IRS in accordance with agency priorities," and an executive order issued by Trump meant to reduce the size of the federal government and eliminate government waste, according to Friday's memo.
While the IRS and Treasury Department messages from Friday and Saturday are likely cause for consternation for at least some, Friday's memo says reduction in force notices going forward will be issued 30 to 60 days ahead of their effective dates, providing at least a measure of warning. The message Friday announced the dismantling of the IRS' Office of Civil Rights and Compliance and plans to let go 75% of the division's staff.
The messages don't hint at the overall number of IRS workers to be let go; however, the Associated Press on Friday reported that the agency planned to cut as many as 20,000 staffers nationwide, representing up to a quarter of its total workforce.
In February, an Ogden union leader said up to 1,000 IRS workers in the city could be fired by mid-May. However, the recent firings of some 7,000 IRS workers nationwide were put on hold after a federal court ruling, according to the Federal News Network, a trade publication.
The IRS is the top employer in Weber County, with workers scattered at several locations. The specter of mass layoffs prompted the city of Ogden in February to issue a statement saying it had taken steps to prepare for the possibility, working with Ogden-Weber Technical College and the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
"As we continue to hear varying information regarding potential layoffs, Ogden city along with vital community resource providers are closely monitoring developments and remain committed to scaling our response as needed," reads the Feb. 21 statement.
Saturday's Treasury Department message announcing the second buyout offer says applications to take part must be submitted by April 14. "At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding which positions will remain — or where they will be located — after Treasury's restructuring, but should your position be eliminated you will be afforded the protections in place for separations under such circumstances," the message reads.
