The Merit Systems Protections Board, or MSPB, was created to insulate the federal merit system from partisan politics and to protect the federal workforce from unfair personnel decisions and prohibited practices.Although the MSPB does provide a forum for federal...
Protecting Workers’ Rights
Focusing on the Rights of Federal Employees
Uncategorized
Despite breaking the glass ceiling, women at the top earn less
There are few frontiers anymore. Women are CEOs, brain surgeons, law partners and astronauts. Little girls have role models in nearly any occupation they want to pursue.Yet the gender pay gap persists, even for women in high-paying professions. In fact, the pay gap is...
What if my security clearance is altered or revoked?
Many federal jobs (civilian and military) require a specific level of security clearance. If your security clearance is revoked, or if the minimum clearance level changes, you stand to lose your current position and possibly your government career.You do have remedies...
Employers exaggerate the cost of disability accommodations
Employers often balk at the perceived cost or hassles of complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act. This is true even in the public sector, where government agencies sometimes refuse to make reasonable accommodations for federal employees.An ongoing study by...
News from Passman & Kaplan: P&K Client Tricia Newbold in the News
News from & : The discrimination complaint of Tricia Newbold, an employee at the Executive Office of the President, Office of Administration, was recently featured in the press. Ms. Newbold has alleged that...
“So bad I had to quit”: Understanding constructive discharge
When is a resignation not considered a voluntary act? When it is unlawfully coerced or the only escape from an intolerably hostile work environment.A finding of "constructive discharge" is essentially the same as wrongful termination. The person technically quit...
Whistleblowers were key in $2.8 billion False Claim Act recoveries
The Department of Justice reports that it recovered $2.8 billion in fraud prosecutions in 2018 under the False Claims Act. The majority of those cases came to the DOJ's attention through the courage of whistleblowers. & [nap_names...
SCOTUS rules that ADEA applies to all public employers
By unanimous decision, the Supreme Court has clarified that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act applies to all public sector employers.The case centered on two Arizona firefighters who believe they were terminated because of their age. Their fire district claimed...
The sexual harassment complaint process for federal employees
Employees of federal agencies who experience sexual harassment have many legal protections. But the path to justice can be long and complex.The complainant must adhere to specific steps and strict deadlines. It is a good idea to consult a lawyer at the beginning of...
Responding to a proposed disciplinary action
There is short window to give your formal replyEmployees of federal agencies have many rights that do not apply in the private sector. One important protection is the right to be notified in advance of disciplinary action. If you are facing an adverse action –...