Federal Labor Unions
Important: If you are a member of a federal union, they can provide you guidance and assistance. Contact your union representative for personalized support.
Federal labor unions play a crucial role in protecting employee rights and providing advocacy for federal workers. These organizations offer valuable resources, legal support, and representation in workplace matters.
Some major federal employee unions include:
MSPB - Merit Systems Protection Board
Visit MSPB.gov"One of the MSPB's primary statutory functions is to protect Federal merit systems against partisan political and other prohibited personnel practices by adjudicating employee appeals over which the Board has been given jurisdiction."
OSC - Office of Special Counsel
Visit OSC.govThe U.S. Office of Special Counsel is an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. OSC's statutory authority comes from four federal laws:
- Civil Service Reform Act
- Whistleblower Protection Act
- Hatch Act
- Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act
Key Resources:
NARFE - National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees
Visit NARFE.org"As the only organization solely dedicated to the general welfare of all federal workers and retirees, NARFE delivers valuable guidance, timely resources and powerful advocacy."
Key Resources:
- Emerging Threats & Advocacy - Updated information on attacks on civil servants
- Webinars and Educational Content
- Membership Information - $48 annual fee
- Local Chapters
Note: NARFE is a membership organization. Some content is member-only. Consider joining your local chapter for additional benefits.
Partnership for Public Service
Visit OurPublicService.orgThe Partnership for Public Service is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that is building a better government and a stronger democracy.
Key Resources:
- Resource Hub - Reports and Publications
- Events and Webinars
- Policy Issues - Administration actions affecting federal employees
Government Accountability Project
Visit Whistleblower.org"We promote corporate and government accountability by protecting whistleblowers, advancing occupational free speech, and empowering citizen activists. We educate the public about the importance of whistleblowing and lead campaigns to enact whistleblower protection laws both domestically and internationally."
This nonpartisan nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization provides court actions in support of federal employees.
Key Resources:
Legal Representation
Federal Employment Lawyers
To start your inquiry, I recommend reaching out to your labor unions and NARFE, as well as attending webinars hosted by these organizations. These steps will help you gain a foundational understanding of general information.
When You Need Specific Help: If you have specific questions regarding your situation, the best resource is a knowledgeable federal employment lawyer or law firm.
These attorneys focus on federal employment issues and work throughout the country. Unfortunately, there isn't a specific association to help you find an attorney, but you can:
- Seek recommendations from the organizations listed above
- Consult your fellow federal employees
- Search for federal employment attorneys in your area
- Look for attorneys who have participated in webinars hosted by these organizations
Some resources for finding legal representation:
Workforce Restructuring
The OPM Workforce Restructuring website provides resources, information, and guidance on various aspects of restructuring for agency management, human resources offices, and employees.
Topics include Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (also known as buyouts) which are tools agencies may use to avoid or lessen the impact of reductions in force (RIF).
Extensive information and guidance is provided to assist agency human resources offices responsible for conducting a RIF. General information on the RIF process and career transition programs is also provided for those employees who may be affected.
Additional OPM Resources: