Alternation allows an opting member who wants to remain in the public service to exchange substantive positions with a non-affected member who wants to leave.  

It is available to people who have not received a guarantee of a reasonable job offer (GRJO) and who are either within their 120-day option period or who have selected Option A (12-month surplus period to find employment within the core public administration. 

• Specific criteria must be met by both parties, including being in the same group and level, and meeting job requirements such as language profile and security clearance.
• The alternation must occur within either the opting member’s 120-day opting period or the 12-month surplus option under Option A.
• The alternation date must be specified and employees must exchange positions on the same day.
• The final decision on alternation rests with management.

If alternation is successful, the opting employee gets to remain employed in the federal public service. The alternating employee may receive a transitional support measure payment (or TSM, a lump sum payment based on years of service) or an education allowance. Depending on age and years of service, some may qualify for a pension waiver, which enables early retirement with an unreduced pension. 

For full details on WFA, consult Part VI of the NJC’s Work Force Adjustment Directive, including the Directive’s “Key Elements” found in Appendix D of the Directive.