Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

New Layoff Rule Prioritizes Performance Over Seniority, Sparks Controversy

3/6/2026

40 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management introduced a rule to prioritize job performance rankings over seniority in government mass layoffs.
The proposal will simplify the layoff process and enter a 60-day comment period.
It follows last year's controversial cuts led by adviser Elon Musk.
The largest federal workers' union opposes the rule, arguing the performance review system is flawed and has been manipulated to limit high rankings.

1 of 1

Story summary

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management introduced a rule to prioritize job performance rankings over seniority in government mass layoffs.
The proposal will simplify the layoff process and enter a 60-day comment period.
It follows last year's controversial cuts led by adviser Elon Musk.
The largest federal workers' union opposes the rule, arguing the performance review system is flawed and has been manipulated to limit high rankings.