OPM Proposes Taking Over Appeals for Federal Job Cuts and Furloughs
Published Date: 2/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you’re a federal employee facing a furlough over 30 days, demotion, or job loss due to a Reduction in Force (RIF), your appeal rights are about to change. Instead of going to the Merit Systems Protection Board, you’ll appeal directly to the Office of Personnel Management, making the process faster and cheaper for agencies. Comments on this change are open until March 12, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
RIF Appeals Move from MSPB to OPM
If you are a federal employee furloughed for more than 30 days, separated, or demoted by a reduction in force (RIF), your right to appeal those RIF actions would move from the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM says OPM's Merit System Accountability and Compliance (MSAC) will adjudicate these appeals, with a greater focus on the administrative record and discretion for the presiding official to investigate or audit the RIF action.
Agencies Face Lower RIF Appeal Costs
OPM says moving RIF appeals from MSPB to OPM will promote greater efficiency and reduce costs to agencies that use RIFs. OPM expects a single, streamlined process at OPM (via MSAC) will shorten timelines and reduce administrative burdens for agencies carrying out RIFs.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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