NFFE-FSC Breaking News
March 31, 2026: USDA releases reorganization plans for the US Forest Service. Check our home page for links.
Union Resources
RIF - Reduction in Force
General Information
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management develops policy and provides guidance to Federal agencies regarding Reduction in Force (RIF). When an agency must abolish positions, the RIF regulations determine whether an employee keeps his or her present position, or whether the employee has a right to a different position. The regulatory requirements governing reduction in force are contained in Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 351 .
Federal agencies must follow the procedures contained in the Code of Federal Regulations when conducting a RIF. The law provides that OPM's RIF regulations must give effect to four factors in releasing employees:
- tenure of employment (e.g., type of appointment);
- veterans' preference;
- length of service; and,
- performance ratings.
References
- Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 351 Revised 25 February 2025.
- Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, January 2024, Adobe File - 3.52 MB.
- Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 351 2011, Adobe File - 205.48 kB.
- OPM Reduction in Force (RIF) Basics March 2025, Adobe File - 215.06 kB.
- OPM Workforce Reshaping Operations Handbook March 2017, Adobe File - 749.40 kB.
- OPM Workforce Reshaping Operations Handbook Appendix March 2017, Adobe File - 708.51 kB.