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

Read Time: 7 min read

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 …

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What is the Federal Retirement Age for Federal Employees?

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employees often look forward to enjoying the government’s generous retirement package. However, determining the exact retirement age for federal employees can be complex, as it depends on various factors such as the type of retirement system, years of service, and individual circumstances. This article will explore the intricacies of federal employee retirement, helping you understand when you might be eligible to retire and what factors to consider in your retirement planning. When Can Federal Employees Retire? The retirement age …

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How Does the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) Work?

Read Time: 5 min read

What Exactly Is the Federal Employee Retirement System? FERS provides financial security to federal employees after they’ve completed their government service. Unlike private-sector retirement options that often rely heavily on employee contributions and market performance, FERS takes a more balanced approach with guaranteed benefits alongside investment opportunities. The system covers employees across all three branches of the federal government. It marked a major shift in federal retirement philosophy when it was introduced, moving from a single pension system to a multi-faceted approach that shares responsibility between the …

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What is Considered Harassment in the Federal Workplace?

Read Time: 5 min read

Picture this: You’re a dedicated federal employee, working diligently to serve your country. But instead of feeling valued and respected, you’re faced with a toxic work environment that leaves you dreading each day at the office. Workplace harassment is a serious issue that can turn your dream job into a nightmare. But what exactly constitutes harassment in the federal sector, and what can you do about it? Let’s dive into this critical topic and arm you with the knowledge you …

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Failure to Follow Instructions Charge for Federal Employees

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employees are expected to adhere to high standards of performance and conduct as outlined in agency policies and federal regulations, ensuring they serve the public effectively. One common issue that can arise in federal workplaces is the failure to follow instructions. This article explores what constitutes a failure to follow instructions, its potential consequences, and how federal employees can respond to such allegations. Federal workplaces typically have various types of instructions that employees are expected to follow: Failure to follow …

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How to Calculate FERS Retirement

Read Time: 5 min read

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

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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

Read Time: 6 min read

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?

Read Time: 6 min read

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

Read Time: 6 min read

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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