🗞️ House Oversight Committee Schedules Markup on Union Official Time, Probationary Period Bills
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will convene Tuesday, December 2, to consider legislation requiring detailed reporting on federal employees' union activities during work hours.
After a nearly two-month hiatus due to the 43-day government shutdown, the House Oversight Committee is returning to legislative business with a markup session focused heavily on federal workforce issues. The bills under consideration represent a continued push by Republican lawmakers to increase accountability in the federal workforce and limit union influence.
The Official Time Reporting Act, introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), would require agencies to submit annual reports to the Office of Personnel Management detailing how much "official time" — on-the-clock hours spent on union-related activities — is being used. The reports would need to justify any increases in official time usage and break down how the time was spent. OPM and the Office of Management and Budget would then compile a joint report for Congress and make it publicly available online.
The EQUALS Act, introduced by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas), would extend the federal probationary period to two years for most employees. During this time, workers have limited appeal rights and can be more easily removed. The bill would require agencies to regularly evaluate probationary employees and certify — with OPM approval — that the employee "advances the public interest" before granting permanent status.
These legislative efforts align with the Trump administration's broader workforce initiatives, including an executive order signed in March 2025 calling for the elimination of non-statutory functions at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and other agencies.
For private-sector employers watching this: the push for increased transparency around union activities and stronger performance management tools reflects principles that translate well to any workplace. Clear performance expectations, regular evaluation, and accountability during the early employment period can help address workplace issues before they become organizing opportunities.
Key Points
- First legislative markup since 43-day government shutdown
- Official Time Reporting Act requires detailed annual reports on federal employees' union activities
- Reports must include justification for any increases in official time usage
- EQUALS Act extends federal probationary period from one year to two years
- Probationary employees would need OPM certification before becoming permanent
- Federal Supervisor Education Act mandates training on performance management
- Bills align with administration's broader workforce accountability initiatives
- OPM has been requesting information on "official time" usage since February 2025
Primary Source Author: Drew Friedman
Primary Source: Federal News Network
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