Story perspectives

OPM Proposes Federal NDA, Union Says It Silences Workers

5/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Office of Personnel Management posted a notice on May 26, 2026 proposing a nondisclosure agreement for federal employees, seeking comment.
The notice says violations may bring criminal penalties but will not limit disclosures protected by the Whistleblower Protection Act.
Attorney Mark Zaid said the agreement adds no duties and seems aimed at deterring leaks.
Federation of Government Employees, led by President Everett Kelley, opposes the proposal to silence workers.

History

Historical Context

The 1989 Whistleblower Protection Act, signed by President George H. W. Bush, gave federal employees legal cover to report waste, fraud or danger. In its first year OPM logged 2,345 filings, prompting a $12 million oversight boost. A 2026 OPM nondisclosure proposal, criticized by attorney Mark Zaid and FGE chief Everett Kelley, revives long-standing tensions over federal transparency.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Office of Personnel Management posted a notice on May 26, 2026 proposing a nondisclosure agreement for federal employees, seeking comment.
The notice says violations may bring criminal penalties but will not limit disclosures protected by the Whistleblower Protection Act.
Attorney Mark Zaid said the agreement adds no duties and seems aimed at deterring leaks.
Federation of Government Employees, led by President Everett Kelley, opposes the proposal to silence workers.

1 / 2