Legal Blog - Pines Federal Employment Attorneys

Aug 25, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Employee Rights

Navigating the New Wave of Workplace Accessibility: The Rise of Audio Format Signage

In 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...

Aug 25, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 4 minutes | Federal Employee Rights

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment in the Federal Workplace

Sexual 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...

Aug 25, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Employee Rights

What Is the Federal Employee Termination Process?

Chief 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...

Aug 24, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Employee Rights

The Two Types of Sexual Harassment in the Federal Workplace

Sexual 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...

Aug 23, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 3 minutes | Reasonable Accommodation

Empowering Employees: The Power of Requesting Audio Format Signage as a Reasonable Accommodation

In 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...

Aug 23, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Employee Rights

Federal Employee Rights When Facing AWOL Charges

When working as a federal employee, it is critical that you understand your rights when you face charges such as AWOL (absence without official leave). As you might guess from its name, AWOL represents an unapproved absence from work. AWOL is a serious charge, which means it can lead to severe disciplinary actions such as suspensions, changes in pay...

Aug 22, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 3 minutes | Reasonable Accommodation

Three Examples of Religious Accommodations for Federal Employees

Religious accommodation in the workplace is a constitutional right for those federal employees who have strong ethical or religious beliefs. This right was recently strengthened by the Supreme Court in the case of Groff v. U.S. Postal Service. In that case, the court reiterated that employers need to meet a relatively difficult standard in order to deny an employee’s requested religious accommodation. ...

Aug 21, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 4 minutes | Federal Employee Rights

Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Federal Employee Rights

Federal employees enjoy many perks other employees do not, including that federal employment is not at will. That means, for your supervisor to fire you, they have to provide not only a reason but a legitimate reason that is clearly communicated to you. They must also offer you a chance to improve your performance through a performance improvement plan....

Aug 18, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 4 minutes | Reasonable Accommodation

Accommodations for Immunocompromised Federal Employees

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently found that 6.2% of American adults between 18-64 years of age suffer from low-functioning immune systems. Being immunocompromised is often a serious situation, as it can make even relatively routine diseases like the common cold potentially life-threatening. Many immunocompromised individuals were strongly reminded of this stark reality during the recent COVID-19...

Aug 17, 2023 | By Pines Federal | Read Time: 4 minutes | Reasonable Accommodation

When Do Accommodations Become Undue Hardships?

Undue hardship is a critical term when discussing reasonable work accommodations. It serves as an exception to the requirement that employers provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. But, unfortunately, it is a fairly ambiguous phrase. How do you know if your reasonable accommodation is an undue hardship on your employer? Let’s delve into its definition and implications....