Don’t Mess With the HR Office
A fired Architect of the Capitol employee has learned a second time that it is pretty difficult to sue your former bosses for personal damages.
Court Cases
Stay informed with the latest court cases affecting federal employees and retirees, including major federal employment law decisions, appeals, and rulings from MSPB, FLRA, EEOC, and federal courts. This category covers workplace rights, disciplinary actions, due process cases, retirement‑related rulings, TSP‑related litigation, and significant legal decisions impacting federal agencies and the federal workforce. Find clear summaries and analysis of the court outcomes shaping federal employment protections, benefits, and workplace policies.
EEOC Awards $149,459 to Federal Employee in Sex Harassment Case
A finding of sexual harassment against an employee of the Department of Interior results in an award of $149,459.75 to the employee–even though she did not claim any lost pay.
False Police Report Leads to Removal of Homeland Security Officer
A Customs and Border Protection Officer reported his car had been stolen. When police recovered the car and made an arrest, he tried to have the charges dropped. After admitting that the woman he initially claimed he did not know had been his mistress for some time, his future career as a federal employee was thrown into doubt. A federal court reviewed his removal appeal.
Removal of 13-Year Employee Upheld by Court
The Internal Revenue takes accessing taxpayer databases without an official business purpose seriously. The first offense can–and does–lead to removal. This 13-year federal employee was fired and the court upholds the removal.
Choosing Social Ties Over Agency Law Enforcement Efficiency
A Homeland Security official was fired for being less than truthful over a machete attack involving his girlfriend’s son. A GPS tag sowed he had visited the house of a gang member on a number of occasions. He was fired for multiple reasons including unauthorized disclosure of government information and personal use of an immigration database. He filed an appeal of his removal that went to court.
Fraudulent Credit Card Charges Lead to Indictment
Misuse of government charge cards can lead to significant legal problems. Three people have pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to fraudulently charge federal credit cards. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000 with additional severe penalties for theft of government money.
Retiring When Facing Unpleasant Options No Basis for Appeal
A federal employee charged with kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted rape of a child opted to retire when notified he would be indefinitely suspended without pay until the criminal charges were resolved. He opted to retire before an indefinite suspension was to take place. He then filed an appeal that went to federal court.
A Dispute That Could Only Arise Between Public Employees and a Governmental Agency
Federal agencies and federal employee unions have their own agendas with the result being disputes going on for years that seem to defy logic. The appeals court calls this case the “sort of dispute that could only arise between public employees and a governmental agency.”
Delivering Mail and Kissing The Customer Leads to Removal
A mail carrier was accused by a woman of stepping into her house to personally deliver mail to her, pushing her behind a door, grabbing her and kissing her.
The Third Time is the Charm
A former Navy employee argued, in effect, that he did his job well and that removal was an unduly harsh penalty. The Merit Systems Protection Board thought removal was appropriate after the agency had imposed three disciplinary actions. The case then moved into federal court.
