Workforce

New lawsuit scrutinizes Hegseth’s implementation of Trump’s anti-union EO

While previous lawsuits argued simply that President Trump’s citation of the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act’s so-called “national security exemption” en masse violated federal regulatory law, a new suit from IFPTE drills down on the Defense secretary’s implementation of the controversial edict.

Management

DOGE and other day 1 Trump appointees head for the exits at multiple agencies

The Interior Department and General Services Administration are seeing significant turnover in the leadership ranks.

Oversight

2 independent watchdogs quietly replaced by Trump

The former acting Education inspector general had accused administration officials of stonewalling an investigation, and the ex-acting Commerce IG was removed from that position for a second time.

Management

NSF slashes most career executive roles after shedding one-third of staff

The National Science Foundation is initiating a reduction in force for senior executives, but offering them opportunities to stay at the agency.

Tech

GSA announces centralized travel service ‘GO.Gov’

Go.Gov will replace individual agency travel management systems and act as a shared service across the government.

Tech

Trump’s order to remove ‘woke’ AI from government may have ‘downstream impacts,’ experts worry

Some experts and advocates warned that last week's executive order will have a chilling effect on free speech.

Management

‘Bounce-back emails and no-replies’: IRS and Social Security workforce reductions are hurting constituent service, House Democrats argue

IRS has shrunk by 25%, mostly through voluntary separation incentives, while the Social Security Administration plans to shed 7,000 employees this fiscal year.

Workforce

California lawmakers urge Trump admin to halt cuts to national labs

Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with Rep. Zoe Lofgren, said budget cuts to national laboratories have already led to layoffs, with some other labs warning that “they may need to start laying off thousands of scientists and technical staff in the near future.”

Workforce

Secretary Rollins’ reorganization of USDA will weaken the delivery of programs to farmers, ranchers and rural communities

COMMENTARY | USDA's proposed reorganization will make the department's work more challenging, with a "accomplish less with less" approach, says former official.

Pay & Benefits

Bipartisan Senate bill would boost pay, alleviate grueling schedule for federal firefighters

New legislation would shorten federal firefighters’ work week from 72 hours to 60 and would ensure their overtime work is properly compensated via the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Workforce

Trump wants to reverse the staffing cuts he's overseen for IRS customer service. House Republicans disagree.

The Trump administration is warning of dire consequences if it cannot reverse the tax agency's recent staffing exodus.

Workforce

Census is planning on hiring fewer temporary workers for the 2030 count, watchdog reports

An official from the nonprofit Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said the smaller workforce, among other proposed changes, could contribute to undercounts of certain groups.

Workforce

The Forest Service claims it’s fully staffed for a worsening fire season. Data shows thousands of unfilled jobs

DOGE cuts and voluntary resignations have severely hampered the agency as the nation enters the peak of fire season, with more than 1 million acres burning across 10 Western states.

Management

Managers are the linchpins to improved performance

COMMENTARY | To reach its performance management goals, OPM may need to look at the inherent challenges facing agency managers and how to improve their engagement.

Pay & Benefits

Why federal retirements are spiking this year

A sharp rise in retirement claims may be tied to fear instead of planning. If you're eyeing the exit, make sure you're not rushing into something you'll regret.

Management

Trump’s controversial OSC nominee pulled from confirmation hearing

The hearing for the White House’s pick to replace Federal Labor Relations Authority Chairwoman Susan Tsui Grundmann, who is still challenging her ouster, was similarly postponed.

Oversight

Whistleblower bill for contractors gains bipartisan support with Grassley’s backing

Supporters say the legislation would close “loopholes” in existing whistleblower protections for federal contractors.

Management

USDA to relocate thousands of staff outside Washington, consolidate dozens of offices

The Agriculture Department is slashing regional offices and centralizing staff into five new hubs across the country.