If you are a federal worker, first things first: You’re not crazy. What’s happening is completely bizarro-land.
Now that we’ve got that clear, what do you do?
The lawyer answer (sorry) is: It Depends. The reality is that tons and tons of these terminations are illegal, but there are different ways they may be illegal.
For example, career civil service workers – even probationary employees – are protected by merit systems principles, which include protection from “arbitrary action, personal favoritism, or coercion for partisan political purposes.” 5 U.S.C. § 2301(b)(8). (That’s a federal statute right there btw, not some loosy-goosy theory about fair treatment. It’s the actual law.) Because of this requirement, there are procedures that agencies have to follow when they are terminating a bunch of people to cut costs, otherwise known as a Reduction In Force or “RIF.” RIFs are governed by a procedure for making sure that terminations are made based on merit system factors, for example, examination of performance ratings and length of service. 5 U.S.C. §3502. Federal employees who are getting RIF’d are supposed to get 60 days’ notice and information about rights to reemployment and career transition assistance before the termination goes into effect.
Additionally, many Federal employees are union members, and as such have additional protections including a statute that requires a union contract to provide grievance procedures. 5 U.S.C. §1721(a)(1). Another source of protection is in the federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination, such as Title VII, Rehabilitation Act (prohibiting disability discrimination), and Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
What to do?
OK first, re-read the first sentence of this article. This is legit Wacky-land and you are legit encountering stuff that could have been dreamed up by Salvadore Dali. Or Kafka.
Second, call your union. As of the writing of this article, an AI-assisted search (so take this with a grain of salt) states that there are currently 101 class actions involving federal workers. Your union will know if you’re part of one of these. If you’re not, see if there are other ways your union can help you, such as filing a grievance.
If you’re not union, or if the union can’t help with your particular situation, get hold of a reputable workplace lawyer. For sure it’s expensive. This is your livelihood.
Whatever you do, don’t just assume there’s nothing you can do. There are super-talented, intelligent people fighting for your rights. Make sure they know your situation so they can help you plan your next step.
