Your Federal Employee Rights Amid Recent Executive Actions

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I'm Attorney Justin Schnitzer. Our commitment is to represent federal employees in cases of employment violations just as we would want to be represented, all with the aim of achieving decisive victories.

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Handling a Federal Employee Complaint Against a Supervisor for Misconduct

What is Considered Misconduct by a Federal Supervisor? Federal supervisors may commit misconduct through various infractions such as attendance problems, insubordination, harassment, discrimination, misuse of government property, and falsification of records.The nature of the misconduct and its severity determine the level of disciplinary action that may be taken.   Need Legal Help? Contact Us. • Call (202) 964-4878 Address Federal Supervisor Misconduct with Confidence Few things are more upsetting in the business world than supervisor misconduct. This is especially true …

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How to Calculate FERS Retirement

Your length of creditable service is like a fine wine – it gets better with time. It’s the total number of years you’ve dedicated to eligible federal positions. The high-3 average salary, on the other hand, is the cream of the crop – the average of your highest 36 consecutive months of basic pay. Finally, the pension multiplier is the secret sauce, a percentage that varies based on your years of service and retirement age. Understanding the FERS basic annuity …

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Collective Bargaining Agreements for Federal Employees

As a federal employee, your work life is governed by a carefully negotiated set of rules—your collective bargaining agreement. This article is designed for collective bargaining federal employees and provides clear insights into how your rights are protected and what limitations exist as you navigate your government career. What Are Collective Bargaining Rights for Federal Employees? As a federal employee, you have the statutory right to organize, form unions, and negotiate collective bargaining agreements that govern working conditions, though with significant restrictions …

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DOGE Layoffs: 5 Legal Options for Federal Employees Right Now

DOGE layoffs have created unprecedented challenges for thousands of federal employees across America. Since early 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency has terminated workers at dozens of federal agencies, often with minimal notice.  For affected federal employees, understanding your legal rights and options is essential. What Are the DOGE Layoffs? DOGE stands for the Department of Government Efficiency, created by President Trump shortly after taking office in January 2025. Elon Musk is leading its effort to reduce federal spending by eliminating …

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Can You Be Fired for Using CBD as a Federal Employee?

In the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp production and the natural non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol (CBD) were made federally legal. This has allowed farmers to grow cannabis plants for hemp (rope and fabric) as well as other products made with the same crop. Federally legal cannabis products can contain any amount of CBD but must contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. THC is also a natural compound found in cannabis plants, and low-THC strains must be cultivated to meet this …

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What to Do if Your FERS Disability Retirement is Denied

Understanding OPM Disability Retirement No one’s health is perfect. Accidents, illness, and deteriorating conditions can change your ability to work. When this happens for federal employees, the Federal Employment Retirement System (FERS) can provide FERS Disability Retirement. This solution benefits federal employees when it is confirmed that they have lost the ability to complete the tasks of their role and reasonable accommodation is insufficient to overcome the limitations of the disability. However, approval of FERS disability retirement is difficult to …

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What is Wrongful Termination in the Federal Workplace?

As a federal employee, you have strong job protections. But even with these safeguards, wrongful termination can still happen. Whether through unfair dismissal, discrimination, or retaliation for whistleblowing, navigating the complexities of federal employment law can be perplexing. So what happens if you’re suddenly terminated without just cause? This is a comprehensive guide that explains all about federal employee wrongful termination and actions you can take if you find yourself being fired unlawfully. The federal employment lawyers at The Law Office of …

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Federal Employee Termination Laws: A Complete Legal Guide 2025

Federal employee termination laws are in place to protect the rights of civil servants while also allowing the government to manage its workforce efficiently. As with any employer, the federal government can fire employees for subpar performance, company policy infractions, or disciplinary issues. However, special rules apply due to the unique nature of government work. Because federal employees are not private sector workers, they’re afforded protection against arbitrary or politically-motivated firings—their jobs allow them to carry out public business without …

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Federal Employee Suspension Without Pay: What to Do

Facing a federal employee suspension without pay can be a daunting and stressful experience. It’s crucial to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect your career and livelihood. This article will guide you through the process of dealing with a suspension without pay, from initial notification to potential appeals and returning to work. What are the key steps for a federal employee facing suspension without pay? If you’re a federal employee facing suspension without pay, you …

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Can You Medically Retire from the Federal Government?

Federal employees who develop disabling medical conditions may wonder about their options for leaving service early. Medical retirement, officially known as Federal Disability Retirement, provides a potential path for those who can no longer perform their job duties due to health issues. But how exactly does this process work, and who qualifies? Can you medically retire from the federal government? Let’s find out. Federal Disability Retirement serves as a crucial safety net for civil servants facing health challenges. It provides …

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