4 ms·

> American taxpayers are wasting billions to pay for owned and leased federal office space that remain largely vacant Maybe this is an opportunity for savings

by thih9 2y ago

> American taxpayers are wasting billions to pay for owned and leased federal office space that remain largely vacant Maybe this is an opportunity for savings instead of a forced RTO? Then again, I doubt it's worthwhile to reason about this decision; we've seen more controversial ones already (e.g. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42785891 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42785891 ) and I guess this is not the final one.

scarface_74 2y ago
Even though Trump was there for the stargate announcement, there are no government funds involved. But why is Stargate controversial? If private companies want to spend $500 billion, why should we care? Yes I know part of it is debt financing. But back to your point, look at the all of the wasteful military bases in the US and weapons programs that the military brass keeps trying to get rid of but the civilian leadership keeps blocking because of civilian job loss in thier districts. Follow the money.
- whamlastxmas 2y ago
  The government is heavily involved with stargate bc it’s only possible due to fast tracking and eliminating regulations for them to build
  - esotericimpl 2y ago
    [dead]
  - scarface_74 2y ago
    As far as I know, none of the data center builders have had major problems with states or the federal government.
- Yeul 2y ago
  Isn't the US military just a disguised jobs program? A way out for the poor and underprivileged?
  - fragmede 2y ago
    you say that like it's a bad thing
    - throw0101d 2y ago
      > you say that like it's a bad thing Notwithstanding needing a military for geopolitical purposes, the government could also create jobs by repairing/rebuilding infrastructure like bridges, locks, public transit, rail lines, etc. Is a bunch of tanks more or less useful than replacing a >50 year old bridge?
ct0 2y ago
This will become a savings play in the long run. Forced RTO has generally been considered a headcount reduction approach, which checks out with new administrative direction. After RTO stabilizes, its likely the office assets will be optimized to minimize wasted office space.
- nxobject 2y ago
  And by "optimized", I'm sure the corporate raider playbook of selling off real estate and then leasing it back will happen.
- xigurat 2y ago
  As a headcount reduction measure it usually means that the people that stay are the ones that are not good at what they do, so they can't find another jobs. The good ones have more opportunities, so they don't take the BS and leave for better working conditions.
  - ct0 2y ago
    I havent seen any data that shows the people who RTO and "stay" are bad at their job. I think low preformers are going to get RIFed either way if they RTO or not. Those who RTO easily will generally be the employees who are already geographically close to the office, satisfied with their job, and see future career opportunities. The good ones already have had the opportunity to leave all along, and if they are good enough, they may be able to set up a home based position. Maybe government roles do not need high performers at scale like the private sector does.
    - dylan604 2y ago
      > I think low preformers are going to get RIFed what suggests that's the criteria that will be used for any RIF? seems to me that if you are a low performer but toe the party line that you will be safer than someone that is seen as rocking the boat and constantly pushing back.
    - mikewarot 2y ago

by thih9 2y ago

scarface_74 2y ago

Even though Trump was there for the stargate announcement, there are no government funds involved. But why is Stargate controversial? If private companies want to spend $500 billion, why should we care? Yes I know part of it is debt financing. But back to your point, look at the all of the wasteful military bases in the US and weapons programs that the military brass keeps trying to get rid of but the civilian leadership keeps blocking because of civilian job loss in thier districts. Follow the money.

whamlastxmas 2y ago
The government is heavily involved with stargate bc it’s only possible due to fast tracking and eliminating regulations for them to build
- esotericimpl 2y ago
  [dead]
- scarface_74 2y ago
  As far as I know, none of the data center builders have had major problems with states or the federal government.
Yeul 2y ago
Isn't the US military just a disguised jobs program? A way out for the poor and underprivileged?
- fragmede 2y ago
  you say that like it's a bad thing
  - throw0101d 2y ago
    > you say that like it's a bad thing Notwithstanding needing a military for geopolitical purposes, the government could also create jobs by repairing/rebuilding infrastructure like bridges, locks, public transit, rail lines, etc. Is a bunch of tanks more or less useful than replacing a >50 year old bridge?

ct0 2y ago

This will become a savings play in the long run. Forced RTO has generally been considered a headcount reduction approach, which checks out with new administrative direction. After RTO stabilizes, its likely the office assets will be optimized to minimize wasted office space.

nxobject 2y ago
And by "optimized", I'm sure the corporate raider playbook of selling off real estate and then leasing it back will happen.
xigurat 2y ago
As a headcount reduction measure it usually means that the people that stay are the ones that are not good at what they do, so they can't find another jobs. The good ones have more opportunities, so they don't take the BS and leave for better working conditions.
- ct0 2y ago
  I havent seen any data that shows the people who RTO and "stay" are bad at their job. I think low preformers are going to get RIFed either way if they RTO or not. Those who RTO easily will generally be the employees who are already geographically close to the office, satisfied with their job, and see future career opportunities. The good ones already have had the opportunity to leave all along, and if they are good enough, they may be able to set up a home based position. Maybe government roles do not need high performers at scale like the private sector does.
  - dylan604 2y ago
    > I think low preformers are going to get RIFed what suggests that's the criteria that will be used for any RIF? seems to me that if you are a low performer but toe the party line that you will be safer than someone that is seen as rocking the boat and constantly pushing back.
  - mikewarot 2y ago