Schedule Policy/Career: Key Takeaways for Federal Employees

On June 3, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reclassifying certain career federal employee positions into Schedule Policy/Career (“Schedule P/C”) of the excepted service.  The purpose of this change is to make it easier for agency management to discipline or fire these employees.  Here’s what federal employees need to know:

Which employees did the government reclassify as Schedule P/C?

The executive order reclassifies approximately 8,000 career employee positions into Schedule Policy/Career of the excepted service.  Generally, the impacted positions are GS-15 or equivalent positions, with a smaller number of GS-13 and GS-14 positions.  Senior Executive Service positions are not included.

You can review the appendix to the executive order to determine if your position was reclassified.  Look for your position description number in the appendix.  Your position description number is the “Agency Position Number” in Box 1 on your Position Description Form (OF-8).  Agencies should also notify employees who are impacted.

How does reclassification impact Schedule P/C employees?

Employees reclassified to Schedule P/C will lose many of their rights and employment protections.  Schedule P/C employees are essentially at-will employees, meaning that the government can fire them for any reason or for no reason at all, but not for an illegal reason.  They are exempt from procedures for Chapter 43 adverse actions and Chapter 75 performance-based actions.  This means that the government can remove Schedule Policy/Career employees without due process, such as notice or an opportunity to respond to a proposed removal.  Schedule P/C employees also have no right to appeal a removal  or other discipline to the Merit Systems Protection Board (“MSPB”).

Additionally, Schedule P/C employees can’t file whistleblower retaliation or prohibited personnel practice complaints with the Office of Special Counsel (“OSC”).  Their only option is to follow their agency’s internal procedures.

Do reclassified Schedule P/C employees need an attorney?

If the government reclassified your position to Schedule P/C, an employment attorney can advise you about the impact on your legal rights.  During a consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your case with a lawyer who can answer your questions and provide legal advice about any potential claims and options.  Alan Lescht and Associates, P.C., has extensive experience representing federal employees around the world.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney and learn about your rights.