US civil service reforms could see spats

Significance

The changes affect contract negotiations, disciplinary procedures and the role of labour unions. The White House argues the changes will improve efficiency, but opponents lament any weakening of unions and fear that the civil service’s operations could become politicised.

Impacts

• Cabinet secretaries and other political appointees will gain more influence over the civil service.
• A more restrictive civil service work regimen could make it harder to recruit and retain civil servants.
• Loss of civil servants could see shortfalls in the expertise required for policymaking and governance.
• Curbing taxpayer money spent on civil servants working for unions will likely be well received by Republicans.