OPM Proposal Would Change RIF Retention Rules, Reducing Long-Standing Seniority Protections

A proposed OPM rule would revise how federal employees are ranked and retained during a Reduction in Force (RIF), potentially weakening seniority-based protections that have shaped RIF outcomes for decades. If finalized, the change could affect who is more likely to be separated, downgraded, or reassigned during workforce cuts, making it important for employees to understand their retention standing and options.