The Federal Aviation Administration announced that only 776 air traffic controllers and technicians with perfect attendance during the government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses, despite many others working tirelessly. This decision has sparked criticism from unions and lawmakers, who argue that all workers who maintained operations during the shutdown deserve recognition. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the bonuses as acknowledgement of dedication, while the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union expressed concern over the exclusion of thousands of other dedicated employees. The FAA faced staffing shortages before the shutdown, which were further exacerbated during the shutdown due to absences and retirements, prompting flight cuts and safety concerns.
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ICE officers are experiencing declining morale due to the Trump administration’s prioritization of mass deportations over criminal investigations. This shift has led to pressure to meet quotas, causing officers to focus on civil immigration arrests and making controversial actions. Several officials have expressed concern over the focus on deportation numbers and the potential damage to the agency’s reputation. Despite public support, ICE’s infrastructure is strained, and many officers feel undervalued and are considering quitting.
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On Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offered approximately 80,000 employees a voluntary separation incentive payment, with a March 14th deadline. This follows HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s comments about wanting to remove certain staff and aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk to significantly reduce the federal workforce. The buyout program, offering up to $25,000, mirrors a similar initiative undertaken earlier this year. Experts warn that staff reductions at HHS could hinder the agency’s ability to implement Kennedy’s policy goals.
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Elon Musk, tasked with streamlining the federal workforce, initiated a controversial “pulse check” email campaign demanding weekly accomplishments from all federal employees under threat of termination. The initiative, quickly deemed “stupid” by some, was intended to assess employee responsiveness and capacity, according to Musk. However, the email sparked significant internal conflict, with agencies such as the FBI and Pentagon advising employees against responding, creating widespread confusion and division within the government. The Office of Personnel Management stated that agencies would determine further action based on employee responses.
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Following a company-wide meeting where CEO Mark Zuckerberg discussed controversial topics including the termination of DEI programs and altered hate speech policies, a memo threatening termination for leaking internal communications was issued. This memo itself was promptly leaked, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining confidentiality within Meta. Zuckerberg attributed the increased secrecy to previous leaks of sensitive information shared during internal meetings. The shift towards less transparency followed a change in the Q&A format, eliminating public voting and comments.
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Employee morale, initially low and prompting job searches, has dramatically shifted following a proposed buyout. Staff, feeling betrayed and committed to their mission, have vowed to resist attempts to dismantle the agency. One group plans visible displays of solidarity, wearing “Rebel Alliance” shirts each Friday. The situation highlights the employees’ defiance against perceived efforts to undermine their work.
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John Q. Hosedrinker