AFGE Local 17 is committed to keeping our members informed about the latest federal policies and guidance that affect our workplace and rights. Two new developments are worth your attention:
Executive Order on DEI Programs
On January 20, 2025, the White House issued an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” This order seeks to eliminate federal programs that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). According to the administration, the goal is to streamline government resources and return focus to merit-based decision-making.
What does this mean for federal employees?
The order could have wide-ranging implications for workplace training, hiring, and promotion practices within federal agencies. AFGE Local 17 will continue to monitor these developments and advocate for fair and inclusive policies that respect all employees.
📖 Read the full Executive Order here.
OPM Guidance on Probationary Periods, Administrative Leave, and Details
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released a new memorandum that reflects the Trump administration’s recent focus on reshaping federal workforce policies. The guidance addresses probationary periods, administrative leave, and the assignment of employee details.
Key highlights include:
- Probationary Periods: The memo reinforces the importance of probationary periods as a tool for agencies to evaluate employee performance. Employees in their probationary periods may face removal without triggering appeals.
- Administrative Leave: Agencies are encouraged to use administrative leave strategically during restructuring or other workforce realignments, echoing recent actions that have impacted employees working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
- Employee Details: New standards aim to ensure that details are managed effectively and support agency goals during this time of policy realignment.
This guidance ties into recent federal workforce initiatives, including the elimination of DEI programs, the return-to-office mandate, and efforts to streamline federal employment practices. AFGE Local 17 will continue to monitor these developments and provide support to members as agencies implement these changes.
