Federal Worker Rights
@fedworkerrights.bsky.social
Providing information to federal employees regarding their legal rights. Posts by attorneys at James & Hoffman, a law firm representing employees and unions (www.jamhoff.com). More information at www.federalworkerrights.com.
Reposted by Federal Worker Rights
The RIFs language is actually great. Not only does it rehire the people RIFed during the shutdown, it makes it an unequivocal Antideficiency Act violation to do ANY MORE RIFs through the duration of the CR (Jan 30)
Completely stops Trump/Vought Phase 2 for now
Would love to see this standardized
Completely stops Trump/Vought Phase 2 for now
Would love to see this standardized
November 10, 2025 at 12:27 AM
The RIFs language is actually great. Not only does it rehire the people RIFed during the shutdown, it makes it an unequivocal Antideficiency Act violation to do ANY MORE RIFs through the duration of the CR (Jan 30)
Completely stops Trump/Vought Phase 2 for now
Would love to see this standardized
Completely stops Trump/Vought Phase 2 for now
Would love to see this standardized
Reposted by Federal Worker Rights
Federal Judge blocks shutdown layoffs.
DOJ lawyer refuses to defend cuts, merely argues jurisdiction.
Judge: “This hatchet is falling on the heads of employees all across the nation, and you're not even prepared to address whether that's legal?”
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-shutdo...
DOJ lawyer refuses to defend cuts, merely argues jurisdiction.
Judge: “This hatchet is falling on the heads of employees all across the nation, and you're not even prepared to address whether that's legal?”
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-shutdo...
October 15, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Federal Judge blocks shutdown layoffs.
DOJ lawyer refuses to defend cuts, merely argues jurisdiction.
Judge: “This hatchet is falling on the heads of employees all across the nation, and you're not even prepared to address whether that's legal?”
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-shutdo...
DOJ lawyer refuses to defend cuts, merely argues jurisdiction.
Judge: “This hatchet is falling on the heads of employees all across the nation, and you're not even prepared to address whether that's legal?”
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-shutdo...
When the Government was sued for making late wage payments to employees working during prior shutdowns, it defended the suits by arguing that "government officials would have been subject to... possible criminal penalties" if they made wage payments.
October 13, 2025 at 4:44 PM
When the Government was sued for making late wage payments to employees working during prior shutdowns, it defended the suits by arguing that "government officials would have been subject to... possible criminal penalties" if they made wage payments.
Here's the error-filled table of contents of the Government's brief opposing a TRO of the shutdown RIFs
October 10, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Here's the error-filled table of contents of the Government's brief opposing a TRO of the shutdown RIFs
Judge Ilston previously scheduled a hearing for October 16 on a TRO to stop the shutdown RIFs. Lawsuit filed by AFGE and AFSCME. Docket here: www.courtlistener.com/docket/71502...
American Federation of Government Employees, AFL CIO v. United States Office of Management and..., 3:25-cv-08302 - CourtListener.com
Docket for American Federation of Government Employees, AFL CIO v. United States Office of Management and..., 3:25-cv-08302 — Brought to you by Free Law Project, a non-profit dedicated to creating hig...
www.courtlistener.com
October 10, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Judge Ilston previously scheduled a hearing for October 16 on a TRO to stop the shutdown RIFs. Lawsuit filed by AFGE and AFSCME. Docket here: www.courtlistener.com/docket/71502...
Nick Bednar's bottom line on the shutdown RIFs:
Overall: This is a terrible, unnecessary idea that gives the administration no leverage in bargaining. It has promised to keep doing what it has been doing for nine months: RIFing federal employees. Obviously, the administration doesn't care that this is causing a lot of pain. The public should. 7/7
October 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Nick Bednar's bottom line on the shutdown RIFs:
From Politico: Vought sounds layoff siren: 'The RIFs have begun' www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Vought sounds layoff siren: 'The RIFs have begun'
At least nine agencies appear to be affected.
www.politico.com
October 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
From Politico: Vought sounds layoff siren: 'The RIFs have begun' www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
All MSPB filing deadlines will be extended over the course of the government shutdown. Learn more about how the shutdown will impact federal workers' cases here:
federalworkerrights.com/2025/10/03/w...
federalworkerrights.com/2025/10/03/w...
Impact of Government Shutdown on Federal Workers' Cases
Learn how the federal government shutdown impacts filing deadlines for MSPB, EEO investigations, and EEOC cases. Stay informed and prepared.
federalworkerrights.com
October 3, 2025 at 3:02 PM
All MSPB filing deadlines will be extended over the course of the government shutdown. Learn more about how the shutdown will impact federal workers' cases here:
federalworkerrights.com/2025/10/03/w...
federalworkerrights.com/2025/10/03/w...
Reposted by Federal Worker Rights
🚨 BREAKING: HUD just fired 2 of the 4 civil rights attorneys who blew the whistle on illegal discrimination, political interference & the dismantling of fair housing protections.
This comes just one week after Sen. Warren called for an IG investigation. #ProtectWhistleblowers #FairHousing
This comes just one week after Sen. Warren called for an IG investigation. #ProtectWhistleblowers #FairHousing
September 29, 2025 at 7:06 PM
🚨 BREAKING: HUD just fired 2 of the 4 civil rights attorneys who blew the whistle on illegal discrimination, political interference & the dismantling of fair housing protections.
This comes just one week after Sen. Warren called for an IG investigation. #ProtectWhistleblowers #FairHousing
This comes just one week after Sen. Warren called for an IG investigation. #ProtectWhistleblowers #FairHousing
New post: responding to OPM Director Scott Kupor on probationary employee terminations federalworkerrights.com/2025/09/15/r...
September 15, 2025 at 1:43 PM
New post: responding to OPM Director Scott Kupor on probationary employee terminations federalworkerrights.com/2025/09/15/r...
New blog post discussing the MSPB's approach to class actions in the first six months of the administration. Why has the MSPB entertained class actions for terminated probationary employees, but not RIFed employees? federalworkerrights.com/2025/08/04/a...
Assessing the MSPB’s approach to class actions in the first six months of Trump II
The second Trump administration has sought to terminate federal employees in unprecedented numbers, using mass terminations of probationary employees, reductions in force (RIFs), and other initiati…
federalworkerrights.com
August 4, 2025 at 7:42 PM
New blog post discussing the MSPB's approach to class actions in the first six months of the administration. Why has the MSPB entertained class actions for terminated probationary employees, but not RIFed employees? federalworkerrights.com/2025/08/04/a...
Reposted by Federal Worker Rights
Over at @lawfaremedia.org, I explain the new Schedule G and some broader trends that signal an effort to make a significant portion of the federal workforce subject to at-will removal.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
The End Game for Schedule G
Schedule G reflects a broader trend of moving the civil service back toward a patronage system, favoring loyalty over expertise.
www.lawfaremedia.org
July 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Over at @lawfaremedia.org, I explain the new Schedule G and some broader trends that signal an effort to make a significant portion of the federal workforce subject to at-will removal.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
Are you a lawyer interested in litigating against the Trump administration in defense of federal employees? This job might be for you: www.jamhoff.com/jhrecruit/. Feel free to DM for more info.
July 24, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Are you a lawyer interested in litigating against the Trump administration in defense of federal employees? This job might be for you: www.jamhoff.com/jhrecruit/. Feel free to DM for more info.
Exciting news: our class action for fired probationary workers at the Department of Interior was just granted! DOI workers can learn more about what will happen next at federalworkerrights.com
LINK: www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
LINK: www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Federal Worker Rights
Visit the post for more.
federalworkerrights.com
July 19, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Exciting news: our class action for fired probationary workers at the Department of Interior was just granted! DOI workers can learn more about what will happen next at federalworkerrights.com
LINK: www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
LINK: www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Guide from Civil Service Strong on next steps after the Supreme Court's RIF decision: www.civilservicestrong.org/resources/yo...
You Are Not Alone: A Resource Guide for Civil Servants Affected by the Supreme Court’s RIF Decision | Civil Service Strong
Resource guide for civil servants affected by the Supreme Court's RIF decision on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025.
www.civilservicestrong.org
July 10, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Guide from Civil Service Strong on next steps after the Supreme Court's RIF decision: www.civilservicestrong.org/resources/yo...
Reposted by Federal Worker Rights
Joe Davidson, longtime Washpost columnist, quit due to editing restrictions. He couldn't call a pay raise for fed'l employees "well deserved" or say that a hallmark of Trump’s "turbulent months in office is his widespread, ominous attack on thought, belief & speech”
www.facebook.com/story.php?st...
www.facebook.com/story.php?st...
![Blocking my column because it was too opinionated was a shock. I’ve authored many pieces over my 17 years writing the Federal Diary (renamed the Federal Insider in 2016), that were at least if not more opinionated as the now dead one. In that piece, I argued that “one hallmark of President Donald Trump’s first three, turbulent months in office is his widespread, ominous attack on thought, belief and speech.”
The piece contained specific examples, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s alarming memo supporting deportation of Columbia University pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. Rubio said Khalil could be expelled for “expected beliefs…that are otherwise lawful.” What immigrants might believe in the future now can make them federal law enforcement targets.
Another far-reaching example I cited is Trump’s aggressive attack on speech promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). His executive order commanded federal agencies to “excise references to DEI and DEIA [“A” for accessibility] principles, under whatever name they may appear.” Also, Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, of Turkey, was abducted off the street by masked officers because she co-wrote an op-ed critical of Israel. It was a terrifying sight, caught on video, which previously would have seemed more applicable to George Orwell’s dystopian and cautionary tale against totalitarianism and thought police in is novel “1984.” This is America in 2025.
Killing that column was a death blow to my life as a Washington Post columnist. But I wrote two more articles to see if I could cope with the restrictions. That’s when I learned just how severe the policy is. In my next piece, I was not allowed to describe a potential pay raise for federal employees as “well-deserved” because of Post policy.
As a columnist, I can’t live with that level of constraint. A column without commentary made me a columnist without a column. I also was troubled by significant inconsistencies in the implementation of the p…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:svawqo4jxobyyuqmixplvcux/bafkreigga3daorc7wtonshgnmnm7dtfyjrvu2einlc4myhiynml6luvlz4@jpeg)
July 10, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Joe Davidson, longtime Washpost columnist, quit due to editing restrictions. He couldn't call a pay raise for fed'l employees "well deserved" or say that a hallmark of Trump’s "turbulent months in office is his widespread, ominous attack on thought, belief & speech”
www.facebook.com/story.php?st...
www.facebook.com/story.php?st...
We have another post on yesterday's RIF decision: Why didn't the Supreme Court address channeling? federalworkerrights.com/2025/07/09/w...
Why didn’t the Supreme Court address channeling in its RIF decision?
An interesting aspect of yesterday’s Supreme Court decision on RIFs is that it doesn’t mention the so-called “channeling doctrine.” This doctrine provides that federal employees generally cannot go…
federalworkerrights.com
July 9, 2025 at 1:24 PM
We have another post on yesterday's RIF decision: Why didn't the Supreme Court address channeling? federalworkerrights.com/2025/07/09/w...
Posted late last night regarding the Supreme Court’s RIF decision:
Here's our post on the Supreme Court decison permitting RIFs to move forward at 22 agencies. It's a major setback for federal employees, but many options remain open for challenging RIFs. federalworkerrights.com/2025/07/08/w...
July 9, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Posted late last night regarding the Supreme Court’s RIF decision:
Here's our post on the Supreme Court decison permitting RIFs to move forward at 22 agencies. It's a major setback for federal employees, but many options remain open for challenging RIFs. federalworkerrights.com/2025/07/08/w...
July 9, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Here's our post on the Supreme Court decison permitting RIFs to move forward at 22 agencies. It's a major setback for federal employees, but many options remain open for challenging RIFs. federalworkerrights.com/2025/07/08/w...
The senate parliamentarian has ruled against a 50-vote threshold for reorganization of the executive branch and pay-for-job protections plan, among other provisions in the republican budget bill: www.budget.senate.gov/ranking-memb...
“One Big, Beautiful Bill” Has More Provisions That Violate the Byrd Rule, According to Senate Parliamentarian | U.S. Senate Committee On The Budget
The Official U.S. Senate Committee On The Budget
www.budget.senate.gov
June 23, 2025 at 11:51 AM
The senate parliamentarian has ruled against a 50-vote threshold for reorganization of the executive branch and pay-for-job protections plan, among other provisions in the republican budget bill: www.budget.senate.gov/ranking-memb...
Some folks have asked how to receive blog posts by email. We've added an email subscription option here: federalworkerrights.com/2025/06/17/r...
June 17, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Some folks have asked how to receive blog posts by email. We've added an email subscription option here: federalworkerrights.com/2025/06/17/r...
"Senate strips most retirement cuts from reconciliation, but anti-civil service provisions remain" www.govexec.com/pay-benefits...
Senate strips most retirement cuts from reconciliation, but anti-civil service provisions remain
Under language released by a Senate panel Thursday night, new federal workers who decline to serve as at-will employees will pay nearly 15% of their paycheck toward their pension benefit.
www.govexec.com
June 14, 2025 at 2:55 PM
"Senate strips most retirement cuts from reconciliation, but anti-civil service provisions remain" www.govexec.com/pay-benefits...
Good article by former MSPB board member Raymond Limon on the new OPM hiring memo: www.govexec.com/management/2...
Trump’s new civil service hiring plan: Merit or Meritless?
COMMENTARY | OPM's new Merit Hiring Plan isn't based on a new principle, but its enactment could make Schedule F look quaint, says the former vice chairman of the Merit Systems Protection Board.
www.govexec.com
June 11, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Good article by former MSPB board member Raymond Limon on the new OPM hiring memo: www.govexec.com/management/2...
Update from SCOTUSblog on Supreme Court proceedings regarding RIFs: www.scotusblog.com/2025/06/grou...
June 10, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Update from SCOTUSblog on Supreme Court proceedings regarding RIFs: www.scotusblog.com/2025/06/grou...
Reposted by Federal Worker Rights
An early morning thread on the RIF decision from the Ninth Circuit. In a 2-1 decision, the Ninth Circuit denied a stay of a preliminary injunction preventing agencies from engaging in reductions in force (RIFs) on separation of powers grounds. 1/42
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com
May 31, 2025 at 11:22 AM
An early morning thread on the RIF decision from the Ninth Circuit. In a 2-1 decision, the Ninth Circuit denied a stay of a preliminary injunction preventing agencies from engaging in reductions in force (RIFs) on separation of powers grounds. 1/42
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...