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Job security for federal employees is in jeopardy. The Trump administration has already joined other federal agencies in stripping away the typical civil service appeal rights and placed 8,000 workers in a new category of “at will. More reclassifications on the way, says OPM. So, who’s been impacted, who may be next, and what does this mean for the rest of the US government workforce?
Quick Facts on Federal Employee Job Security
| New classification | Schedule Policy/Career |
| The rate of reclassification is 3.1%. | ~8,000 federal jobs |
| Pay grade targeted first | GS-15, the highest in the career. |
| Next likely targets | GS-13 and GS-14 levels |
| Key change | Fired without “civil service appeal rights,” which are normal rights that must exist in all other circumstances. |
| Legal status | Facing court challenges |
What Is Schedule Policy/Career?
Trump signed an executive order in June 2026, replacing the previous executive order, Schedule F, with Schedule Policy/Career. People in this classification are not afforded the rights and benefits that are normally granted to civil servants to appeal dismissal. The first wave involved approximately 8,000 high-level positions in policy and legal positions, jobs that the White House states must report to the President if the President is to have a real impact on the implementation of his agenda.
For all these, it’s a complete overnight turnaround in terms of job security for federal employees.
Who’s Been Affected — and Who’s Next?
| Round | Pay Grades Targeted | Workers Affected | Status |
| Round 1 (June 2026) | GS-15 | ~8,000 | Complete |
| Round 2 (expected) | GS-13 and GS-14 | TBD | Under review |
| Future rounds | Lower grades | Unknown | Possible |
The OPM Director has affirmed that the jobs of GS-13 and GS-14 are definitely on his radar. The first estimate of 50,000 was floated by the administration not only because it was the more conservative number, but also because it would make it more difficult for courts to challenge. This restriction might not be permanent.
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The Bigger Picture
The reshuffling of civil servants is portrayed as a way to curb so-called “deep state” civil servants in Trump’s administration. Critics, even some legal experts, contend it erodes the principle of a merit-based federal service system and politicises the civil service. It’s not the end of the road for the lawsuits yet, however, as at least two groups have filed lawsuits claiming these changes must be in the hands of Congress, not the president.
The issue of job security is not just applicable to workers who have been reclassified, but also to workers in all federal agencies. The uncertainty is palpable: Any role that is considered to be policy adjacent will be policy adjacent next.
FAQs
What is Schedule Policy/Career?
A new classification of employment that allows an employee to be fired without meeting civil service requirements. Replaced the previous Schedule F policy.
How many workers have been impacted up to now?
Around 8,000, mostly GS-15. Additional games will be played at lower rates.
Are workers who have been reclassified able to challenge their classification?
They are deprived of the normal rights of appeal. There are wider legal battles ongoing, but they have not prevented the policy.
Could GS-13/14 employees be next?
Yes, they confirmed they’re under review for the next round by the OPM Director, who said so.
Key Takeaways
- Executive reclassification orders are changing the nature of federal employees’ job security.
- 8,000 GS-15 workers have already forfeited the civil service benefits.
- The administration’s next on the list is GS-13 and GS-14.
- Legal action is being taken and has not yet blocked the process
- Job security issues among federal workers are on the rise at all pay grades, with no end in sight.
