Temporal proximity is a legal term used to link events that occurred relatively close to each other. Application of this term predominantly arises in connection with EEO complaints, (post) Reasonable Accommodation claims (reprisal), and whistleblower claims in the federal sector,…
Are Douglas Factors Required?
We often receive calls from prospective clients who believe their due process was violated because the agency failed to conduct a Douglas Factors analysis in connection with a proposed action. Some unions have even advised federal employees that an agency…
The Initial Case Assessment
We often receive inquiries from prospective clients who are involved in some type of administrative personnel litigation and are confused. This confusion typically relates to the unfamiliarity and complexity of certain actions such as a proposed removal or disciplinary action,…
Initial EEO Interview Session
In the federal sector, following initial EEO contact, an initial EEO interview session will be conducted in accordance with law regulation.
Bruner Presumption
An adverse action may assist a federal employee in applying for FERS disability. This is generally referred to as the “Bruner Presumption”.
Returning to the Office
As federal employees begin returning to the office or otherwise contend with instructions to do so, it is important they understand implications for decisions in not returning to the office as instructed.
Pandemic and Post Pandemic Federal Employee Travel
Pandemic and Post Pandemic federal employee travel will be a key area of employment impacted by societal changes resulting from the Pandemic.
Disabled Dependents and FEHB
FEHB and disabled dependents is a topic not usually encountered in the administration of federal employee benefits.
Performance Awards
End of year performance awards can be a highly contentious issue. This time of year we receive an incredible number of inquiries from federal employees concerning annual performance appraisals and associated (linked or unlinked) “bonuses”. It should be noted that these…
Mandatory COVID Vaccinations
Mandatory COVID Vaccinations as an emerging condition of employment in federal sector is a hot button issue. Employees have little choice.
Protected Health Information (PHI or Medical Information)
The safeguarding and regulatory compliant handling of Protected Health Information (PHI), also referred to more broadly as medical information, in our opinion, presents one of the most significant risks for federal agencies and managers (particularly with an aging workforce and increased frequency…
Federal Agency Discovery Requests
Employees should understand that just as the affected employee can serve discovery requests upon the agency, the agency can serve discovery requests upon the affected employee.
Union Representative: Good or bad idea?
There is a prevailing theory that it is better to have a union representative (also commonly referred to as “union steward”), than not have a union representative, given such a need. We are certainly proponents of labor organizations and their…
Douglas Factors in Federal Employment
In determining a penalty in an adverse action, an agency should consider a number of factors. Among the many considerations are the “Douglas Factors” in certain situations. If the agency fails to make these considerations or is otherwise unable to prove…
Duty of Fair Representation and Federal Employees
Typical Duty of Fair Representation Inquiry Typical inquiries concerning the issue or concept of Duty of Fair Representation involves claims that the local union is incompetent, not active, or at the worst, corrupt. Such claims are actually not unusual. Many…