May 15, 2026 · policy_change
HHS notifies hundreds of senior employees they've been reclassified into Schedule PC
The Department of Health and Human Services notified hundreds of senior employees via internal email on May 15, 2026 that they were being reclassified into Schedule Policy/Career, stripping them of civil service job protections and converting them to at-will status. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s department confirmed the email's authenticity and said the reclassifications reflected the finalization of previously announced reductions in force. The initial tranche affected employees on the order of hundreds, not thousands, with HHS officials indicating additional tranches would follow. Workers who previously could only be fired for cause with the right to challenge the termination before the Merit Systems Protection Board can now be dismissed without stated reasons or appeal rights.
Apr 14, 2026 · executive
Federal agencies reach Phase 2 RIF deadline with September 30 completion target
Federal agencies hit the Phase 2 deadline for submitting updated Reduction in Force and Reorganization Plans to OPM. The administration sets September 30, 2026 as the target for completing workforce reductions across the executive branch, with agencies expected to execute layoffs affecting tens of thousands of employees after receiving OPM approval of their reorganization plans.
Apr 8, 2026 · executive
OPM demands prescription and diagnosis records for 8 million federal workers without authorization
The Office of Personnel Management sends demands to federal health insurers for complete prescription drug histories and diagnosis codes for approximately 8 million current and former federal employees — without employees' knowledge or consent. OPM cites a cost-containment rationale but provides no statutory authority for the mass collection of medical records. Federal employee unions file emergency injunctions in multiple districts. The collection appears to violate the Privacy Act of 1974, which prohibits agencies from disclosing personal records without consent. A federal judge issues a temporary restraining order within 48 hours.
Mar 13, 2026 · executive
Federal agencies submit Phase 1 reduction in force and reorganization plans to OPM
Federal agencies hit the OPM deadline for submitting Phase 1 Agency Reduction in Force and Reorganization Plans, outlining proposed workforce cuts and structural changes under Trump's government restructuring directive. OPM reviews the plans before agencies proceed to Phase 2 implementation targeting a September 30, 2026 completion date.
Mar 5, 2026 · regulatory
OPM proposes RIF retention rule replacing seniority with job performance as primary ranking factor
The Office of Personnel Management publishes a proposed rule in the Federal Register (document 2026-04377) overhauling reduction-in-force retention criteria. Under the proposal, performance ratings determine RIF order within tenure groups using a points scale, 7 points for a Level 5 rating, 5 for Level 4, 3 for Level 3, while veterans preference converts to bonus points and length of service serves only as a final tiebreaker.
