The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently estimated that approximately 15% of American adults have some degree of hearing loss. Anyone living with partial or complete hearing loss knows all too well the challenges it presents in day-to-day activities. These include communication barriers, feelings of isolation, and the struggle to stay engaged in conversations. These challenges can be magnified...
Continue ReadingMillions of Americans choose to serve their country by enlisting in the military. And as anyone who has served in the military can tell you, it’s a life-changing experience. While most Americans are proud of the country’s veterans, others harbor discriminatory views. At least one study indicated a public perception that veterans are mentally unstable. Countless movies and TV...
Continue ReadingIf you are a federal employee and you are disabled, injured, or no longer capable of performing your job, you may be eligible for US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) disability retirement benefits. There are specific requirements needed to qualify for OPM disability retirement. Our federal employment law attorneys explain what you need to know to determine if you...
Continue ReadingFailure to follow instructions is one of the most common grounds for discipline in the federal workplace. Yet, while the name is straightforward enough, not many federal employees know what the charge involves. This lack of knowledge can make it difficult to defend yourself if your supervisor is proposing disciplinary action against you for failing to follow orders. Here...
Continue ReadingThe last thing you want to deal with in your career is an accusation of federal employee misconduct. It represents a black mark on your record that can upset your plans for a promotion or transfer. At the very worst, it can single-handedly destroy your federal career and leave you without a job. For those reasons, you must know...
Continue ReadingIn an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of discussions, the accessibility of the workspace remains a critical aspect that demands our attention. Accessibility goes beyond the physical presence of ramps and elevators; it delves into effective communication for all individuals, including those with visual impairments. As the world evolves, businesses are beginning to realize...
Continue ReadingSexual harassment is an unfortunate reality in working people’s lives worldwide. Under federal law, sexual harassment is illegal in many circumstances. There are two types of sexual harassment claims: hostile work environment and quid pro quo sexual harassment. Workplace sexual harassment is a form of sex-based discrimination. At Pines Federal, we focus on defending federal employees suing the government...
Continue ReadingChief among federal employees’ worst-case scenarios is the prospect of removal from the federal service. While it’s undoubtedly scary to face removal, there are many ways to uphold your rights and save your federal career. In this article, we’ll cover the applicable federal employee termination procedures, what to expect, and how you can contest removal. For advice on your...
Continue ReadingSexual harassment is a pervasive problem in the American workforce. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 11,090 complaints alleging sex-based harassment in 2022, including 6,201 complaints alleging harassment of a sexual nature. Yet, the EEOC reports that up to 90% of workplace harassment goes unreported. No industry is safe from sexual harassment, including federal agencies. The two types...
Continue ReadingIn the dynamic tapestry of today’s workforce, diversity and inclusion stand as essential cornerstones of progress and success. As we continue to advance towards a more equitable professional landscape, it is vital for employees with orientation challenges, including the blind and visually impaired, to recognize and assert their rights to reasonable accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which...
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