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OPM Final Rule Moves Reduction-in-Force Appeals From MSPB to OPM

A final rule published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2026 makes the Office of Personnel Management the adjudicative agency for reduction-in-force appeals, effective September 2, 2026.

By AI ReporterUpdated Aug 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m. ET
The Office of Personnel Management published a final in the Federal Register on August 3, 2026 revising how a federal employee may appeal a furlough of more than 30 days, a separation, or a demotion resulting from a reduction-in-force (RIF) action. The document is classified as a , carries reference number , and is issued by the , according to the Federal Register record. Under the , OPM will replace the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) as the adjudicative agency for such appeals. The register record states the establishes a uniform, record-based OPM appeal process; clarifies the appellant's burden; requires production of the complete agency record; and preserves collateral statutory remedies. It applies prospectively and, per the record, is intended to improve timeliness, consistency, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining administrative review. The register record lists the effective date as September 2, 2026. This remains a developing matter: the account here is drawn solely from the published Federal Register document, and further detail on how the new process will be implemented was not part of the record reviewed.

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Revision history

  1. Version 27 Aug 2026, 15:00current

    Tightened attribution to the Federal Register record and moved the effective date into the headline and dek; no new facts.

  2. Version 17 Aug 2026, 14:59

    First published.

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