Tag: discipline

The Initial Decision

The Initial Decision by a Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) judge is a ruling made by a presiding administrative law judge that addresses a complaint or appeal filed by a federal employee or applicant for federal employment. The MSPB is…

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.

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…

Consultant or Attorney? It’s your choice.

The decision to engage the services of a consultant or attorney, or even relying on a union representative, arises often with serious federal workplace issues and personnel actions. When facing an adverse personnel action (such as removal, demotion, etc.), or…

Proving Delivery

In Morgan v. Department of Veterans Affairs, 108 LRP 7740  , EEOC No. 0120080380 (EEOC OFO 2008), a tracking slip showing a notice of right to file was left at a complainant’s doorstep.  However, it was not conclusive evidence the complainant actually received the notice on that day. 

MSPB or Arbitration in Federal Sector?

Many practitioners, both union and agency, will cite MSPB management (agency) favorability statistics indicating MSPB favors the agency in outcomes. This is true, but somewhat skewed because most labor organizations will 1) send “bad cases” (those lacking merit) to the MSPB because there are no associated costs unlike arbitration and/or 2) send cases to MSPB because they lack funds to pay for arbitration.

Responding to Proposed Suspensions

Employees facing discipline must be responsive to the agency notice.  It is important affected employees act quickly and immediately begin preparing a reply as appropriate.  Even if an employee does not intend to challenge the proposed action, an employee may effectively mitigate the proposed action to a lesser degree or achieve an alternative outcome.

MSPB Right to Counsel Not Absolute

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.

Timeliness in Disciplinary & Adverse Actions

Timeliness in Disciplinary & Adverse Actions This question involves the general topic of timeliness in disciplinary adverse actions. “ “Can a disciplinary (suspension w/out pay of 14 calendar days or less) or adverse (suspension w/out pay of 15 calendar days…

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. 

Constructive Suspension in Federal Suspension

An employee’s voluntary absence from duty is never appealable.  In all instances of forced leave status (“enforced leave”) resulting in either 1) loss of pay for 14 days or less or 2) “loss” of leave of 14 days or less OR the placement of the employee into a status that….

When to Contact a Consultant

When should I contact a consultant? Should I wait until the Agency proposes an action or makes a decision?” What about for an EEO Complaint?

MSPB eFile is a Preferred Method of Filing

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) e-file, also known as “efile”, “e-Appeal” or “e-appeal online,” is an electronic method of filing your initial MSPB appeal, Pleadings, Addendum’s, as well as checking your existing case status. It is the most convenient…

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.  Many social media related issues are beginning to percolate through…

Crime Provisions Affecting Federal Employees

Background Question “My agency proposed I be indefinitely suspended under the ‘crime provisions.’ What is that?” Response Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations (5 CFR 752.402(e)) permit agencies to place employees on indefinite suspension pending completion of investigation or criminal proceedings when…

Last Chance Agreement in Federal Service

Last chance agreements (LCA’s) and settlements contain terms agreed to by an (federal) employee, or former employee, and the agency, in which the employee is provided an opportunity to retain (or return to) employment, usually when the agency would otherwise remove, or did in fact already remove, the employee from federal employment.