Tag: representation

EEOC Scheduling Order

An EEOC scheduling order is a formal document issued by an EEOC Administrative Judge that sets out the timeline and deadlines for various stages of the EEOC hearing process. This Order is typically issued just prior to the start of…

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,…

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…

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…

MSPB Judge’s Handbook as a Resource

Reviewing the MSPB Judge’s handbook, whether you are a union representative representing an employee in an adverse action under appeal at the Merit Systems Protection Board, or you are an employee representing yourself, can prove a valuable resource and an…

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….

Your Official Personnel Folder (OPF)

Take the Time to Check Your Official Personnel Folder Every federal employee should make time to check their Official Personnel Folder (OPF) at least once a year.  We also recommend you download a complete copy (it is an option). Since…

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?

Is the Federal EEO Complaint System Fair

Background Question I don’t think the federal EEO Complaint system is fair. I was considering filing a complaint but did some research and found less than 3% of people who file a complaint actually win at hearing.  Why is this…

EEO Claims and Bases Importance

As we discussed in many other articles and tell our clients in every initial briefing concerning EEO complaints, EEO complaints are unknowingly won or lost on initial contact with an EEO Counselor (informal stage). 

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…

Union Representation During Counseling

The first thing any bargaining unit employee should do when determining whether they have a right to union representation is refer to their Master Agreement (union contract) or contact a Union Representative

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.