Executive Order 13957, also known as Schedule F, was advanced in October 2020 with an implementation date of January 2021. The plan, aimed at changing how certain federal employees are classified and hired, was revoked by Executive Order 14003 in January 2021.
There is speculation that Schedule F will be reinstated under the new administration. While it is still subject to legal and political challenges, it could have a profound impact on federal employees.
Schedule F Explained
Schedule F is a provision designed to reclassify certain civil service positions within the federal government. This shift from traditional “competitive service” into a new category called “excepted service” would give the executive branch greater discretion in hiring, firing, and managing employees in these roles. This would particularly impact those involved in policymaking.
What It Means
Under the new system, employees who fall under Schedule F could be removed from their positions more easily and would not enjoy the same civil service protections afforded to other federal workers. These protections typically include rules around merit-based hiring, protections against arbitrary dismissal, and the right to appeal adverse personnel actions.
“This change would grant the president greater authority to remove these workers, bypassing the merit-based processes that safeguard the majority of federal employees.”
Main Concerns
For current federal employees, the primary concern is job security. If Schedule F were reinstated, individuals in roles selected for reclassification could risk layoffs or replacement by political appointees, potentially disrupting agency stability. Roles likely to fall under Schedule F typically include those focused on policy development or upper-level administrative responsibilities.
Possible Impacts
Federal employees classified under Schedule F would forfeit critical protections provided by the Civil Service Reform Act, including job security and procedural rights related to promotion and dismissal. This change would grant the president greater authority to remove these workers, bypassing the merit-based processes that safeguard the majority of federal employees.
Get Proactive
There is much speculation surrounding Schedule F and plenty of opinions on how it will ultimately be implemented. Nothing happens overnight and while you wait and watch, you have time to prepare.
- Review your household budget and spending
- Ensure you have a healthy emergency fund
- Explore your options for early, deferred, or postponed retirement
No one can predict the future, but you can have a plan to weather the unexpected. Reach out to an FRC® trained advisor who understands your unique federal benefits and can offer insights and tips. Together you can tailor a strategy to maximize your benefits and develop financial peace of mind.
