Local Resources

• Message, Webinar and Resources from Jamie Raskin

• Governor Wes Moore's page of resources

• Montgomery County page of Resources

• Resources for Marylanders Affected by Trump Admin Policies from Chris Van Hollen

  
  

Federal Employee Rights and Protections

Federal employees in the U.S. have specific rights protected by law to ensure fair treatment in the workplace. Here are some key rights:

1.    Employment Protections

• Due Process: Federal employees are entitled to due process before facing adverse actions. This includes the right to be notified of the government's intentions and an opportunity to respond before any action is taken. For more details, refer to the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) guidelines on employee rights and appeals. 

• Whistleblower Protection: The Whistleblower Protection Act safeguards employees who report misconduct from retaliation. The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board provides detailed information on these protections.

• Merit System Protection: Employment decisions in federal agencies must be based on merit, prohibiting practices like favoritism or political coercion. The Merit Systems Protection Board outlines prohibited personnel practices to uphold the merit system.

·       Office of Special Counsel: File a complaint to the Office of Special Counsel online filing portal.

2. Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Rights

• Protection Against Discrimination: Federal employees are shielded from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or retaliation. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidance on the federal sector EEO complaint process.

3. Workplace Safety and Health

• Occupational Safety and Health: Federal employees are entitled to safe working conditions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Employees can report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

4. Pay and Benefits

• Fair Compensation: Federal employees receive wages based on established pay scales, such as the General Schedule (GS). The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides detailed information on these pay scales.

• Benefits: Federal employment includes benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, and paid leave. For comprehensive details, visit the OPM's Healthcare and Insurance page.

5. Collective Bargaining and Union Rights

• Union Representation: Most federal employees have the right to join unions and engage in collective bargaining. The Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute outlines these rights and the scope of collective bargaining in federal employment.

6. Right to Appeal Personnel Actions

• Appeals Process: Employees can challenge adverse actions through the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The OPM also provides guidance on the appeals process and grievance rights.

7. Political Activities

• Hatch Act Compliance: The Hatch Act restricts certain political activities of federal employees to ensure a nonpartisan federal workforce. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) provides resources and guidance on permissible political activities.

For more detailed information, please refer to the specific links provided above.