Government employees trying to meet the Nov. 18 deadline for applying for early retirement will get help this weekend. Government Employee Retirement System offices on St. Thomas and on St. Croix will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, solely for the purpose of taking applications.
GERS is accepting applications despite its lawsuit against the government over a provision in the Public Employees Voluntary Separation Incentive Act of 2000. At issue is the section which allows employees with up to 28 years of service to buy advance credit through reductions from future retirement payments to make up a 30-year tenure.
There is no age eligibility, but retirees under the program must have at least 28 years of actual credited service.
Staff in the St. Croix GERS office Wednesday reported many employees were interested in applying or seeking more information. At a recent workshop, Joanne Berry, personnel director, said some 800 employees may qualify.
The administration of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull is seeking to reduce the active workforce through early retirement and attrition. Under the program, only one-third of the retirees will be replaced.
Workers have little time to make their decision. The Act was signed into law Oct. 18. It calls for application by Nov. 18 and actual retirement as of Dec. 18.
