OPM proposed rule would change RIF retention rules, including removing tenure credit and altering veterans’ preference subgroups

A post circulating in r/fednews highlights an OPM proposed rule that would revise Reduction in Force (RIF) retention calculations, including eliminating tenure-based credit and changing how certain veterans’ preference subgroups are treated. If adopted, the changes could affect which employees are retained during RIF actions and reduce protections for some groups; public comments are due May 4, 2026.