How to Win an EEOC Complaint
Almost everyone these days knows that workplace discrimination is wrong. But few people know that they can fight workplace discrimination by filing an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint. Winning before the EEOC can not only end whatever discrimination you’re facing, but it can also give you a wide variety of remedies to compensate you […]
What Damages Can the MSPB Award?
If you’re a federal employee, you’ve probably heard about the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The MSPB is an independent agency that hears appeals from federal employees who have been disciplined or who believe they have been subjected to some other adverse personnel action, such as a demotion, reduction in grade, or termination. Its general […]
Is Federal Disability Retirement Income Taxable?
If you have been a federal employee and are seeking to receive disability retirement income, you might have to pay taxes on that income. This isn’t pleasant news, but the following article can help you prepare for what’s next. If you’re still wondering, is federal disability retirement taxable? Or if you have other questions regarding […]
Secure Justice: Your Guide to Proving Retaliation in the Workplace
The law protects all federal employees against discrimination and harassment in the workplace. And yet, many employees suffer all kinds of injustice after standing up for their rights. Countless other employees fear standing up for themselves because of the threat of retaliation. Unfortunately, retaliation in the federal workplace is common. According to the U.S. Equal […]
How to Win an MSPB Appeal (And What to Avoid Doing)
Thousands of federal employees file an appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) each year. Over the past three years, only 3% of federal employees were successful. The success rate increases to 18% if you eliminate cases that settle before going to a hearing and those dismissed for procedural errors. Below are some tips on how to win […]
Does Title VII Apply to Federal Employees?
Since its passage, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has served as the cornerstone of federal anti-discrimination law. It prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, and color for most private-sector organizations, as well as state and local government entities. Fortunately, Title VII applies to all federal employees. However, Article […]
Whistleblower Protection Laws for Federal Employees
If you have a position with the federal government, you have been entrusted with a high level of responsibility for all of us in this country. Unfortunately, not every government employee or leader honors their obligation to respect the laws and the public with their service. When a colleague or supervisor falls short of their […]
Security Clearance and Suitability Determinations
Whether you are a current or prospective federal employee, you will probably have to obtain and hold a security clearance. The federal suitability determination process for employees can seem like a black box. So federal employees naturally have many questions about the process, especially if they receive an unfavorable suitability determination. Read on to learn […]
How to File an EEO Complaint
Filing an EEO complaint is something few employees ever imagine doing. Most of us hope to have colleagues and supervisors who are at least professional, if not friendly and supportive. Unfortunately, many federal employees experience illegal discrimination in the workplace. This includes discrimination based on characteristics such as race, color, national origin, and sexual orientation. […]
Secure Your Retirement: The FERS Vesting Rules Federal Employees Must Know
When it comes to questions about retirement benefits under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), the answers are usually complex. But the answer to the question, “How long do I need to work to be vested in FERS” is quite simple: five years. But these five years must be creditable service in the federal civilian […]