Federal employees will keep their jobs based on how long they've worked, not how well

The US Office of Personnel Management has officially withdrawn a proposed rule that would have prioritized performance over length of service in federal layoffs. This means that if federal agencies need to cut staff, employees with more years on the job will still be protected over those who perform better.

This document clarifies that a proposed shift in federal employment policy is now dead. For decades, federal layoffs have prioritized seniority. The proposed rule would have changed this, allowing agencies to keep their best performers. Now, the old rules stand.