Significant confusion exists across the federal workforce concerning telework authorized as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and national emergency and subsequent social distancing efforts. As agencies begin recalling workers, we are experiencing an increase in calls concerning telework in the context of the pandemic.
Category: News
Articles covering news affecting federal employees and other public employees.
New Mediation & Settlement Service Announcement
Employees engaged in pro se administrative litigation (for example, EEOC complaints or MSPB appeals) often just seek assistance during specific components of a process in an effort to save money.
Changes to EEOC Pre-Hearing Procedures
The new trend, which appears to have emerged from “pilot program” status, seeks to streamline case processing in connection with EEOC pre-hearing procedures.
MSPB: No Absolute Right to Counsel
Recently, a Federal employee argued the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) “abused its discretion” by failing to appoint (and pay for) an attorney to represent her.
Union Officials and Worker’s Comp
Federal union officials engaged in authorized (by agency) representational activities are covered by the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). However, union representatives engaged in the internal business of a labor organization or not on authorized time are not covered.
Probationary Employee? Maybe Not.
Consultants from InformedFed experienced an increase in the number of cases in which a federal employee receives notice of probationary period termination, but is in fact not an employee on probation.
Resignation and Crime Provisions
You can resign from your position in federal service at any time; you do not need agency approval to do this and you do not need the agency to “grant” you a resignation. However, you would not want to “request removal” because in essence, you are asking to be removed (fired).
Latest Client Testimonial
In retrospect, stating the complaint and appeal on the front end turned out to be 99% of wining the case on the back end.
Federal EEO Complaint Process
Clarifying the EEO Process in Federal Sector During the past two years, we noticed many federal agencies deviating from a clearly defined, though not stringent, EEO complaint process (see, EEOC MD-110). It is important to realize federal agencies control the…
Check Your OPF
Every federal employee should make time to check their Official Personnel Folder (OPF) at least once a year.
No Right to Authorized Absence Unless…
Administrative leave (also referred to as “excused absence”) is an administratively authorized absence from duty without loss of pay or charge to leave.
Due Process in Federal Service
The false belief, almost legendary at this point, that “you can’t fire a federal employee” is absolutely absurd. This Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) report supports our view.
Performance Appraisals for Federal Employees
Supervisors have broad discretion in arriving at your end of year rating. If anyone else tells you different, they are lying to you or simply lack basic knowledge in federal personnel law.
Excused Absences for Inclement Weather
With the recent outbreak of severe weather, we received many inquiries from federal employees concerning Excused Absence (also called “Authorized Absence” and even “Administrative Leave” by some agencies).
Social Media in Fed Workspace
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, and a host of other social media tools are increasingly becoming a topic of conversation and disciplinary assessment in many Employee and Labor Relations sections.
Operational Status Notification
InformedFED has recently been flooded with robocalls. This has impacted the efficiency of our phone systems. Accordingly, we have implemented countermeasures including automated answering, screening, and routing of calls made to our main number at (202) 642-1287. We continue to…
Consulting Questions
These questions are our most frequently asked concerning consulting services for federal employees. Though we try to provide as much information as possible, you may have a question not included here. Please feel free to contact us.