Story perspectives

State Department Reviews Schedule P/C At-Will Reclassification of Up to 50,000

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

State Department is reviewing GS-13 and GS-14 for conversion to Schedule P/C at-will status.
Converting to Schedule P/C would remove staff’s right to challenge actions before Merit Systems Protection Board and shift whistleblower complaints internally.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) estimates up to 50,000 workers could be reclassified, while 97% of conversions target officials at GS-15 level or higher and employees say the at-will status may curb candid policy advice.

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Story summary

State Department is reviewing GS-13 and GS-14 for conversion to Schedule P/C at-will status.
Converting to Schedule P/C would remove staff’s right to challenge actions before Merit Systems Protection Board and shift whistleblower complaints internally.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) estimates up to 50,000 workers could be reclassified, while 97% of conversions target officials at GS-15 level or higher and employees say the at-will status may curb candid policy advice.