RIF Update: What You Need to Know 

By now, most of our members are aware of the new FAM language governing RIFs in the Foreign Service (3 FAM 2580) that was published on June 23.  This new FAM was not negotiated with AFSA.  While the previous FAM language was the result of extended and thoughtful collaboration between AFSA and the Department, this version was hastily put together without regard to the unique nature of the Foreign Service as a worldwide workforce that flows through assignments in different offices and bureaus, both domestic and overseas. 

Sources inside the State Department tell us that the issuance of RIF notices is imminent and can come as soon as the end of the week, despite the injunctive relief order upheld by the 9th Circuit.  The June 13th order in AFGE, et al v. Trump, et al., 3:25-cv-03698 (N.D. Cal.) clearly defined the scope of the District Court's injunctive relief to include a prohibition on "actions to be taken pursuant to the State Department's reorganization plans first announced publicly on April 22, 2025 and later provided to Congress."  Barring an order by the Supreme Court to the contrary, this means the Department of State is barred from taking any steps outlined in their reorganization plans.  

While the June 20th stay of our preliminary injunction, by the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, in our union busting case has resulted again in a pause of our status as a union for the Foreign Service at the Department of State and USAID, we will not stop fighting on behalf of our members.  AFSA is reviewing all available legal avenues of recourse.  You can find AFSA’s RIF resources at our AFSA 2025 resource page. 

To read our newly-created FAQ about RIFs, click here. (We're working on adding this information to our website). To read the document, you'll have to download it to your computer. 

We understand that our members are worried and frustrated and want to take immediate action in the face of this threat to their careers and the security of their families.  Many of you have shared your stories with us, and they are very compelling. We encourage you to reach out to your bureau and Department leadership, as well as your Congressional representatives, to share your concerns with them as well.  (When connecting with Congressional representatives, please remember to only use non-USG time, phone, email and IT systems.)   

For those of you who are impacted by these RIFs, AFSA is here for you. If RIFs are announced on a weekday, we will open our headquarters at 2101 E St NW as a place to gather, have a cup of tea, and speak with friends. Early next week, we will host a virtual listening town hall for you to share your concerns with AFSA leadership and staff. 

Stay tuned for more information. We may not have all the answers right away, but we promise to continue to seek out answers and do all that is possible on behalf of the people we serve.