(a) Authorization and regulations

The Secretary may conduct reductions in force and shall prescribe regulations for the separation of members of the Service holding a career or career candidate appointment under subchapter III of this chapter, under such reductions in force which give due effect to the following:

(1) Organizational changes.

(2) Documented employee knowledge, skills, or competencies.

(3) Tenure of employment.

(4) Documented employee performance.

(5) Military preference, subject to section 3501(a)(3) of title 5.

(b) Applicability of retirement benefits

Terms Used In 22 USC 4010a

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Secretary: means the Secretary of State, except that (subject to section 3921 of this title) with reference to the exercise of functions under this Act with respect to any agency authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system, such term means the head of that agency. See 22 USC 3902

The provisions of section 4009 of this title shall be applicable to any member of the Service holding a career or career candidate appointment under subchapter III of this chapter, who is separated under the provisions of this section.

(c) Grievance procedure

An employee against whom action is taken under this section may elect either to file a grievance under subchapter XI or to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board under procedures prescribed by the Board. Grievances under subchapter XI shall be limited to cases of reprisal, interference in the conduct of an employee’s official duties, or similarly inappropriate use of the authority of this section.