DPE Condemns the Trump Administration’s Finalized Schedule Policy/Career Rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2026 - Today, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) finalized a rule that will reclassify large segments of the federal workforce as Schedule Policy/Career (P/C), which strips career employees of many civil service protections and allows them to be fired without cause. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in response to news of the finalized Schedule P/C rule:

“OPM’s implementation of the new Schedule P/C rule means that many career federal employees, including members of DPE affiliate unions, will lose longstanding due process protections meant to shield them from partisan interference and influence. Consequently, Schedule P/C jeopardizes the professional integrity of scientists, engineers, healthcare providers, inspectors, and other specialists working for the federal government, and that should alarm every American. It will now be harder for the professionals like those who keep our food supply safe, our water clean, and our veterans cared for to do their jobs solely in the interest of the American people. 

DPE joins its affiliate unions in the federal sector in calling on Congress to pass the bipartisan Saving the Civil Service Act. Career federal employees should not be put in a position where they could have to choose between keeping their jobs or compromising their professional integrity.”

About DPE

The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.

DPE Commends the Bipartisan Senate Introduction of the Keep STEM Talent Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2023 - Yesterday, Senators Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) introduced the Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023, which would exempt from the annual green card cap international graduates of U.S. colleges and universities who earn STEM advanced degrees and receive an employment offer for a job that pays above the median wage for the occupation and area from an employer that completes a labor market test. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement on the introduction of the bipartisan Keep STEM Talent Act:

“I applaud Senators Durbin and Rounds for introducing the Keep STEM Talent Act. This bipartisan legislation would enable talented graduates from U.S. colleges and universities, including members of DPE unions, to continue contributing to the American economy while ensuring that they can earn a fair return on their work. Specifically, the Keep STEM Talent Act offers graduates with in-demand skills a direct path to permanence, rather than forcing them to accept precarious, temporary visas. This approach reinforces the professionalism of the STEM workforce and affords individuals agency in the labor market.

DPE is proud to support the Keep STEM Talent Act’s high-road approach to attracting and retaining international talent. I urge the Senate to pass this important legislation.”

About DPE

The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.