Effects of the Federal probationary employee terminations

Recent federal actions to reduce the size of the government have had far-reaching effects, including consequences for Indian Country that may not have been fully anticipated. One such measure has been the federal hiring freeze, along with broader efforts to downsize the federal workforce. As part of this initiative, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) moved forward with the termination of thousands of federal probationary employees, a decision that has led to challenges in agencies that provide services to tribal communities. 

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Many of the federal agencies that work closely with tribes, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, and the Bureau of Indian Education, were already operating under significant staffing shortages. The hiring freeze and workforce reductions have compounded these issues, affecting the delivery of essential programs and services. 

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NNWO has been actively engaged in addressing the termination of probationary federal employees, particularly those in positions important to Indian Country. NNWO has been in direct discussions with the White House to advocate for exemptions and has elevated concerns to Congressman Crane. 

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Despite ongoing efforts, including those with the Coalition of Large Tribes, termination notices have already been issued to DOI Indian Affairs solicitors, all employees in the USDA Office of Tribal Relations Tribal College office, 80 tribal college personnel, BIA engineers, financial professionals, and tribal broadband personnel. 

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While efforts are underway between the White House and DOI to address the situation, federal agency leadership has limited visibility into or control over the notices being issued by the Office of Personnel Management. ​

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