Increased Protection and Transparency for US Diplomatic Workforce Layoffs.
This Act establishes stricter rules for significant staff reductions (layoffs) within key diplomatic agencies, including the State Department and USAID. The goal is to ensure stability and competence in US foreign policy by requiring detailed justification and consultation with Congress before separating more than 50 employees. For Foreign Service personnel, the law mandates that reduction-in-force decisions must be based primarily on performance rather than seniority alone.
Key points
Limits on Mass Layoffs: Diplomatic agencies must justify and consult with Congress if they plan to separate more than 50 employees through reductions in force within a six-month period.
Merit-Based RIFs: Foreign Service layoff decisions must prioritize performance rankings over other factors like tenure, ensuring competence remains central to the diplomatic corps.
Extended Notice Period: Employees facing layoffs due to staff reductions must receive a minimum of 60 days' advance notice (up to 120 days for Foreign Service personnel).
Introduced
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