Inconsistencies in Policies Cited

One justification that OPM cited for ending the time in grade rule is that it applies to competitive service GS employees, but does not apply to competitive service employees under other pay plans, including employees in wage grade positions. Time in grade also does not apply to those competitive service GS employees who apply for other competitive service positions through a competitive examination, OPM said, or to excepted service GS employees–although individual agencies can, at its discretion, require time in grade for their excepted service employees. "This disparate treatment of employees under varying appointments and pay plans highlights the inequities of retaining time in grade," said the proposal.