“Hold the line. Don’t resign. Know your rights.”
Federal employees are scared right now, and if you’re losing sleep worrying about your income, career, and family’s security, that is completely understandable. When you took the oath, you never expected all of this to happen.
We’ve put together a free “know your rights” guide below to arm you with the facts you need in what is likely the scariest time of your career.
You don’t need to give us your email; simply read the guide below. You may also want to bookmark this page to come back to later, and share it with a friend.
These Are Your Rights As a Federal Employee
With the recent developments affecting federal employees, we’ve received many inquiries. Our team is closely monitoring executive actions and new proposed legislation that impact federal employees’ rights. We are also consulting with federal judges to assess the legality of these decisions.
To stay informed, we encourage federal employees to subscribe to our newsletter by providing your name and email below.
Meanwhile, here are some key rights that federal employees should be aware of:
- Job Protection: Most federal employees have strong job protections under civil service laws. They cannot be fired without due process, which includes notice and an opportunity to respond.
- Union Representation: Many federal employees are represented by unions, which can advocate for their rights and provide legal assistance if needed. Look at your SF-50, Box 37. if Box 37 has a number other than 8888 or 7777, you have union representation. Contact your HR department to find out which union represents you.
- Right to a Safe Work Environment: Employees are entitled to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Recent changes to DEI programs are being legally contested to ensure these protections remain intact.
- Merit System Principles: These principles ensure that federal employees are hired, promoted, and retained based on merit rather than political affiliation.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Rights: Federal employees are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. If you have a disability that requires you work at home, for example, you cannot be forced to return to work.
- Whistleblower Protections: Federal employees are protected from retaliation for reporting wrongdoing or mismanagement in their agencies.
- Freedom of Expression: Federal employees have the right to vote, express opinions, and participate in the democratic process in their private lives.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Please reach out to us with any specific concerns or questions.