What You Need to Know About the New Schedule F (Now Schedule Policy/Career) Executive Order

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order reinstating and revising the controversial “Schedule F” classification, now referred to as “Schedule Policy/Career.” This move has reignited debates about the politicization of the federal workforce and the erosion of civil service protections.

At Southworth PC, we are closely monitoring these developments to ensure federal employees understand their rights and the potential impacts on their careers.

What Is the New Schedule Policy/Career?

The new executive order builds on the original Schedule F concept introduced in 2020, which sought to reclassify certain federal employees in policy-making roles as “at-will” employees. These positions, estimated to affect up to 50,000 workers, would lose traditional civil service protections, including the right to appeal dismissals through the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The vast majority of federal employees would not be impacted by this.

While this order aims to increase “accountability” by granting agencies greater flexibility to hire and fire employees, it has drawn criticism for potentially injecting partisan politics into what has traditionally been a nonpartisan civil service.

Why Does This Matter?

1. Job Security at Risk: Federal employees reclassified under Schedule Policy/Career would lose important due process protections, making it easier for agencies to terminate them without traditional checks and balances.
2. Politicization of the Workforce: Critics argue that the order could turn previously nonpartisan policy roles into politically motivated positions, undermining the expertise and impartiality of the federal workforce.
3. Legal Challenges Underway: The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) has already filed a lawsuit challenging the order, arguing it violates congressional intent and undermines the merit-based civil service system established by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.

What Is Southworth PC Doing?

At Southworth PC, we believe in the importance of a professional, impartial federal workforce. While the new Schedule Policy/Career order is in its early stages, we are:

• Monitoring Legal Developments: We are tracking lawsuits and other legal challenges to assess how they may shape the implementation of this order.
• Advocating for Federal Employees: Our team remains committed to protecting the rights of federal workers, particularly in times of uncertainty and change.

What Should Federal Employees Do?

If you believe your role may be affected, here are steps you can take:

1. Stay Informed: Keep track of communications from your agency and legal developments related to Schedule Policy/Career.
2. Document Your Work: Maintain thorough records of your performance and adherence to policies.
3. Seek Legal Guidance: If you’re unsure about how this order may impact your position, consult with an experienced federal employment attorney.

Final Thoughts

The reinstatement of Schedule Policy/Career represents a significant shift in federal employment policies. While the stated goal is to improve accountability, the potential for abuse and politicization of the civil service cannot be ignored.

At Southworth PC, we are here to ensure that federal employees understand their rights and have the tools to navigate these changes. We will continue to provide updates and guidance as more information becomes available.