Washington, D.C. Feb (V7N) — Two million U.S. federal employees are facing a Thursday deadline to make a high-stakes decision: resign with a promise of eight months' paid work or risk being fired immediately without compensation.

The controversial initiative, dubbed "A Fork in the Road", is part of President Donald Trump's sweeping efforts to slash federal spending since returning to office in January. But labor groups are calling it an outright “scam.”

Government "efficiency czar" Elon Musk has framed the plan as a golden opportunity.

“Take the vacation you always wanted, or just watch movies and chill, while receiving your full government pay and benefits,” Musk said.

But the reality is different. Workers who opt in could still be required to work the entire eight-month period, and those who refuse to resign by Thursday could be fired immediately without compensation.

Unions Fight Back

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents 800,000 federal workers, has filed a lawsuit to stop what it calls an “unlawful, unfunded con” meant to cripple the government.

"Federal employees shouldn't be misled by slick talk from unelected billionaires and their lackeys," said AFGE President Everett Kelley, in a jab at Musk.

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), representing 1.4 million workers, also slammed the plan.

“These workers protect our drinking water, oversee national security, and ensure Social Security checks arrive on time,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders.

The administration had projected that 100,000 workers would accept the deal, saving $100 billion. So far, only 20,000—just 1% of the federal workforce—have taken the offer.

A federal employee, speaking anonymously to CNN, said the plan was designed to instill panic and hollow out government agencies.

"It's not like we're pursuing some orderly reduction in government size," the employee said. "No, they're trying to create chaos so people just walk out the door."

With legal challenges mounting and workers left "in the dark" about their options, Thursday’s deadline could mark the start of a major battle over the future of the U.S. civil service.

END/WD/RH/