[Decision Concerning Former MSHA Employee's Entitlement to Severance Pay]

A labor union requested a decision concerning a former Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) employee's claim for severance pay. After her facility closed and moved to another location, the claimant refused reassignment, contending that the commuting distance was excessive. MSHA allowed the claimant to resign involuntarily in lieu of the transfer. GAO held that the employee was not entitled to severance pay since the agency reasonably determined that the new facility was in the same area as the old one, based on the commuting patterns of other employees. Accordingly, the claim was denied.