Federal Employee Exodus: OPM Retirement Backlog Soars 21% in a Month
The OPM retirement backlog has grown nearly 90% in FY 2026 after another surge in February.
Author: Ian Smith
Delayed Arrival in Effect for DC Area on Monday, February 23
A two-hour delayed arrival is in effect for the DC region thanks to snow expected overnight.
Federal Employees May See Bigger Payouts for Voluntary Separation Under New Proposal
A new bill would significantly alter the VSIP buyout program, providing federal employees with greater financial incentives to resign their positions.
New Legislation Seeks to Prohibit TSP Investment in Adversary Nations
A new bill would ban TSP investments in countries like China to ensure federal employees’ and retirees’ savings don’t support countries posing U.S. security risks.
OPM Issues New Guidance on Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation
OPM and EEOC have issued FAQs regarding using telework as a reasonable accommodation for disabilities.
OPM Plans to Pull Suitability Appeals From MSPB in Sweeping New Proposal
OPM proposed an overhaul of suitability appeals, ending MSPB review and streamlining decisions as part of a wider push to reshape federal personnel rules.
Federal Employees Could See 4.1% Pay Raise in 2027 Under New Bill
The 2027 federal pay raise debate has begun. New legislation proposes a 4.1% raise for the federal workforce next year.
Can OPM Revoke MSPB’s Authority to Hear RIF Appeals?
RIF appeal rights to the MSPB are not statutory—they exist only because of OPM regulation. A new proposed rule would return RIF appeals to OPM.
Reinstated Reporting Shows Official Time Costs Rose 54% Over Five Years
OPM has resumed publishing official time reports, and the new data show that costs have risen sharply over a five-year period.
Retirement Surge Pushes OPM Retirement Backlog Over 54k in January
The OPM retirement backlog topped 54,000 in January, but digital processing is improving efficiency.
