Your Federal Employee Rights Amid Recent Executive Actions

Blog

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.

Need Legal Help? Contact Us. Call (202) 964-4878

What is Schedule F and What You Need to Know as a Federal Employee

What is Schedule F for federal employees? Schedule F is a federal employment category created by a 2020 executive order to reclassify certain policy-influencing civil service positions as “Schedule Policy/Career.” This change aimed to strip traditional civil service protections from these roles, making it easier to hire and fire individuals in politically sensitive positions. While it maintains merit-based hiring standards, it significantly reduces job security for affected employees by allowing agencies greater discretion in dismissals. The move could affect tens …

Read more

What is Wrongful Termination in the Federal Workplace?

What is considered wrongful termination for a federal employee? Wrongful termination occurs when a federal employee is fired in violation of federal law, civil service regulations, or due process protections. Common grounds include discrimination, retaliation, or failure to follow proper termination procedures. Federal employees can challenge wrongful terminations through the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) or by filing an EEOC complaint, depending on the nature of the claim. As a federal employee, you have strong job protections. But even with …

Read more

The Disciplinary Appeals Board (DAB) Process for VA Employees

Understanding the VA disciplinary appeals board process is crucial to protecting your career and livelihood as a VA healthcare professional. When you receive a notice of proposed disciplinary action, every moment counts, and knowing your rights can make all the difference. What is the VA Disciplinary Appeals Board? The Disciplinary Appeals Board is a specialized three-person panel that reviews disciplinary actions against certain VA healthcare professionals. It specifically addresses allegations related to professional competence or patient care, evaluating whether employees demonstrated misconduct or incompetence according to …

Read more

What are Federal Employees’ Union Rights?

When your agency announces a policy change or you’re called into what feels like a disciplinary meeting, understanding your union rights becomes suddenly vital. Understanding federal employee union rights is essential for navigating today’s dynamic federal workplace environment. Federal employee unions represent approximately 1.2 million government workers across various agencies, serving as a key shield in workplace disputes and negotiations. For federal employees, these union protections can substantially impact job security, working conditions, and representation during disciplinary actions. However, with each change …

Read more

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 …

Read more

Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) for Federal Employees

Receiving notification of a Performance Improvement Plan can feel like your federal career is suddenly at risk. That moment when your supervisor hands you a PIP document often triggers immediate anxiety about your future. This article focuses on understanding the performance improvement plan federal government process—what it entails, your rights throughout the process, and effective response strategies to protect your career. What is a performance improvement plan federal government? A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) in the federal government is a formal document and process designed to help …

Read more

How to Win an EEOC Complaint for Federal Employees

To win an EEOC complaint as a federal employee, it’s critical to understand the process from the start. Federal employees can file an EEOC complaint if they believe they’ve faced discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, or other protected categories.  Any federal employee can file, but success begins with meeting deadlines and building a strong, well-documented case starting with the EEO counselor within 45 days of the incident. Facing an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint as a …

Read more

Wha is Reduction in Force in the Federal Government and What To Do

Before we dive into what you can do in the unlikely event of a Reduction in Force (RIF), let’s define it. When a federal agency chooses to abolish one or more employment positions, this is what is known as a Reduction In Force (RIF) in the federal government. Once an RIF has begun to take place, the agency in question is required to follow strict OPM Guidelines. A federal employee who is affected by a Reduction in Force will also have …

Read more

What is the Federal Retirement Age for Federal Employees?

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 …

Read more

The Proposed Removal Process for Federal Employees

Federal employees facing potential termination from their positions must navigate a complex process known as proposed removal from federal service. This procedure is designed to protect the rights of government workers while allowing agencies to address serious misconduct or performance issues. Understanding the steps involved and your rights as an employee is crucial if you find yourself in this situation. What is a proposed removal from federal service? A proposed removal is the formal process by which a federal agency …

Read more