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In this case, once the agency decision has been made...the government is signing up to move the worker (moving cost, transportation cost, etc). It also means that if the guy’s house/condo hasn’t been sold within a reasonable amount of time, the government would have the power (responsibility) to sign for it, and market it....paying a fair amount for the property.

For some of these folks, they’ve been in the DC area for twenty-plus years...happy with their house...and might have kids in local schools. Their attitude is that it’s unfair. As their move-date comes up...if they don’t sign the acceptance deal...they will be let go, and paid an exit sum of money. If they take up another federal job in DC...they have to pay the exit sum back.

I saw this around seven years ago with one particular agency which people thought they could find jobs in DC as their agency left, and the shock was that they had a reputation (negative) and no government agency were offering jobs. So they reverted, and took the move.

I will add that a fair sum of the GS-14/15 managers see Kansas City as the end of the world, where no civilization or culture exists. Having been there years ago for three weeks, I would suggest otherwise, and that it’s a bit more safer than DC, and plenty to do on weekends. I wouldn’t have a problem moving unless the new building was some structure in bad shape, and it was next to some bad part of town.

There are circumstances in which government employees can be fired.

For example, if an agency downsizes, government employees are offered preference in hiring for other government positions. I am not certain how this applies if an agency moves, but I would think the employees would be offered the option of moving or receiving a hiring preference.

Those employees might really like the DC swamp area (I don’t know why, though, I can’t wait to get out of here). But it makes a lot of sense for the government. The difference in salary between Washington DC and Kansas is huge, about 10%. I think building and facilities costs would be lower, as well. And any employees who move might lose that arrogant swamp creature attitude, which would be a huge benefit.

When the federal government offices change a location to a fairly significant distance what they will do is offer employees a transfer package, where they will purchase their homes at fair market value and therefore allowing those employees who wish to move to be able to buy a house once they get there immediately. They will also transfer their household goods on the government dime. If people do not wish to relocate what the Department of Human Resources will do is find them another government job at their same pay grade within the area that they are working. In this case it’s Washington DC. In Washington DC there would be absolutely no problem finding those workers who refuse to go to Kansas City another job in the government at their same pay grade.