For Official Use Only!
Criminal investigator fired for using restricted law enforcement database for personal reasons
Author: Susan McGuire Smith
Beware of the Fine Print
A former federal employee may have inadvertently waived his prior agreement with an agency not to release information about his previous government employment. The fine print on the government application form authorized the release of information and it cost him a new job with Uncle Sam.
How Not To Fire A Federal Employee
An agency proposed to fire an employee and then added another charge when he made a threatening comment. The court sends the case back to the MSPB for further review to see if the removal is justified even if one charge is thrown out.
The Hurricane Slowed Down the Postal Service…or Something Like That
There are time limits for filing an appeal with the MSPB and, generally, missing the time limit leads to dismissal of a case. In this instance, the employee made a vague assertion about recovery from a hurricane. A court ordered the MSPB to investigate further.
Government Credit Card Application Leads to Removal
A federal employee can get into hot water with a government credit card. This person got into trouble–and lost his job–as a result of his credit card application.
Court Comes Down Hard on Federal Manager
A federal court came down hard on a Postal Service manager who was fired based on the testimony of another Postal employee.
“If This is Zealous Advocacy, The Angels Must Weep”
It is unusual for an attorney to hire his own counsel to defend his actions in representing a client. But, as in this case, it does happen.
One Appeal Process Isn’t Enough
Can an employee who decides to file a grievance change her mind and go to the MSPB instead? What if, as the employee claimed, the union misled her when explaining her options?
Picking the Best Appeal Procedure
Can an employee of the judicial branch appeal to the MSPB based on prior service with the executive branch?
Christmas v. Department of Education
Can a federal employee avoid time limits by dodging receipt of a final agency decision or other significant documents?
