Attorneys for Federal Employees — Nationwide

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Today at a Glance

• FY26 appropriations package: Funding choices may drive hiring limits, reorganizations, or early RIF planning—watch for agency notices.

• FLRA has a quorum again: Labor-management disputes may move faster; don’t miss grievance or filing deadlines.

• OPM’s new workforce data site: More public headcount data may shape staffing decisions—keep your records and paperwork organized.

Top Stories:

1. FY26 Spending Package: “Workforce Census,” Targeted Cuts, and Staffing Signals

Source: Government Executive — January 12, 2026

TL;DR: Congress released an FY2026 appropriations “minibus” aimed at avoiding a partial shutdown. It includes spending details plus workforce-related reporting requests (including headcount and participation in a deferred resignation program).

For federal employees, this means:

• Staffing plans may change quickly (hiring pauses, reorganizations, or early RIF planning).
• Expect more “data calls” and workforce reporting that can influence management decisions.
• Save every official email, memo, or notice you receive about staffing or funding.

Legal Insight:
Funding and shutdown planning follow federal funding law (including the Anti-Deficiency Act), and agencies often issue written guidance on “excepted” work, leave, and pay if funding lapses. If your office signals staffing cuts or restructuring, ask HR (in writing) what authority is being used and what appeal/grievance paths apply. Keep copies of your SF-50s, position description, performance records, and any notices—and calendar response deadlines right away. If you’re facing a fast-moving change, consider talking with your union and a qualified federal employment attorney.

2. FLRA Reaches a Quorum: Labor Cases and Disputes May Start Moving Again

Source: AFGE — January 12, 2026

TL;DR: AFGE reports the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) now has a quorum and can resume decisions and rulemakings that had been delayed. AFGE warns locals to prepare for potentially tough rulings affecting negotiability disputes and other labor-management issues.

For federal employees, this means:

• If you’re in a bargaining unit, some disputes may move faster at the FLRA.
• If you have a pending grievance, arbitration issue, or bargaining dispute, stay close to your union (or HR) and track deadlines.
• Don’t assume “nothing is happening” just because a case has been quiet—status can change quickly.

Legal Insight:
The FLRA applies the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (Title 5, Chapter 71). If you’re covered by a union contract, your rights and deadlines often run through the negotiated grievance procedure—missing internal timelines can cost you options later. Document key events (emails, directives, schedules, discipline memos) and share a simple timeline with your representative. If a workplace dispute could affect your job or record, consider talking with your union and a qualified federal employment attorney.

3. OPM Launches a New Federal Workforce Data Site

Source: FEDweek — January 12, 2026

TL;DR: FEDweek reports OPM’s new Federal Workforce Data site is live and is meant to replace older FedScope tools with more current, easier-to-use workforce information. The goal is faster and more transparent data.

For federal employees, this means:

• Workforce numbers (headcount trends, staffing levels) may be easier for Congress, unions, and the public to review.
• Your agency’s staffing levels may get more attention during oversight and workforce planning.
• If your office starts citing “data” to justify changes, you can ask what dataset and dates they used.

Legal Insight:
Workforce data often shows up in oversight, workforce planning, and sometimes disputes about workload or staffing impacts. If your agency is discussing staffing cuts, reassignments, or a reorganization, make sure your SF-50 history, position description, and performance records are saved and complete. When management cites “data,” ask for the specific dataset and date range in writing so you can verify it. If data-driven changes turn into formal actions (details, directed reassignments, RIF notices, or discipline), consider talking with your union and a qualified federal employment attorney.

Mindful Moment of the Day

Tech Glitches, Calm Nervous System

When your VPN drops in the middle of a Teams briefing or your audio won’t work, stress can spike fast. As soon as you notice that wave, take one long inhale, one long exhale, and relax your shoulders before you touch any settings. Then move in a simple order: breathe, check one thing (mute, wires, Wi‑Fi), breathe, then try the next step. You may still need IT, but you’ll arrive there less frazzled and better able to explain what’s going wrong.