The D.C. Council today may attempt to alter an early retirement buyout plan recently implemented by Mayor Adrian Fenty, perhaps slashing the amount paid to those who leave, but then extending an ample bonus for employees who stay.
Fenty adopted his early retirement program by a Feb. 20 executive order, choosing to pay thousands of D.C. employees, including police officers and firefighters, up to $25,000 to leave their jobs. Council members have since raised concern that Fenty circumvented their authority to approve the plan.
In response, at-large Councilwoman Carol Schwartz circulated an emergency resolution Monday afternoon to halve the retirement figure to $12,500, and provide a “retention bonus” of up to $25,000 for “excellent or outstanding” staffers who opt to continue working for the District. It would also prohibit police and fire employees from taking advantage.
It is unclear what kind of support Schwartz will have for her resolution, or how much it would cost. She would only say Monday that a gratuitous early retirement payment could fuel a “brain drain” from the ranks of the D.C. government.
Early retirement is a “humane” way of realigning D.C. agencies, City Administrator Dan Tangherlini said last week. Tangherlini continued working with Schwartz’s office Monday on legislation “to create a policy that makes sense for District employees interested in participating in the Easy Out Program while best serving our residents,” he said in a statement.
Also during today’s legislative meeting, the council is slated to make a final decision on a paid sick leave bill. The legislation requires companies to provide their employees with up to seven paid sick days, depending on the size of the business.
The controversial measure is vehemently opposed by the business community, which has threatened to withdraw its financial support for council members who back it. Union members are expected to show up to today’s meeting in force to show their support.
Schwartz said she would introduce a substitute bill that may address some of the private sector’s concerns.
The council also is expected today toincrease the penalties for assaulting a bus driver, train operator or rail station manager. Under the bill, a person who commits a violent crime against these groups may be punished by a jail term and fine of up to 1.5 times the maximum.
