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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
Federal Employment Advantages Federal Disability Retirement is a benefit advantage that many federal employees do not consider at the time of hiring. One of the greatest advantages of the FERS system is that you can find part time or more suitable work for your disability even if you are receiving FERS benefits. You are not required to be wholly disabled to receive benefits. In addition, you can ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
Could You Be in Violation? As accessibility and instant communication increase speed daily, the chances of making a mistake grow exponentially. As a federal employee, it is imperative to think twice before sharing anything publicly, whether a late-night thought or an enthusiastic repost from a friend or celebrity. Unfortunately, social media platforms make is alarmingly easy to violate the Hatch ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
The Aftermath Sexual harassment is no joking matter. It can take place in all types of work environments, including federal jobs. It takes courage and determination to file a sexual harassment claim; unfortunately, once you have taken this step, things do not magically disappear. Despite disciplinary action or investigation, you are still affected by the other person’s misconduct even after it ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
Recent EEOC Case Regarding Pregnancy Discrimination In a press release issued this week, a case was filed through the EEOC against 40 Steak & Seafood for pregnancy discrimination. A server at the steakhouse was fired soon after she informed her employer that she was pregnant. In the aftermath, her boss was telling other employees that she no longer worked there because she was pregnant. Not only ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
Whether it’s getting arrested for a drunk driving over the weekend or posting something offensive on social media, it is possible for federal agencies to discipline employees due to misconduct that occurs outside office hours, depending on the circumstances of each case. Keep in mind, federal employers must determine a connection between an employee’s actions outside of office hours and how they ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
While many people often think of on-the-job injuries as physical (i.e. back injuries, repetitive stress injuries, broken bones, etc.), psychological injuries can be just as devastating. Some jobs are so stressful that they have an impact on an employee’s mental health. When it comes to the federal sector, an employee subject to a hostile environment in the workplace can develop or aggravate the ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued a report addressing how employers should respond to sexual harassment complaints in the workplace – a report which has raised questions about the confidentiality of these internal investigations. The EEOC recommends that employers protect the confidentiality of internal sexual harassment investigations as much as possible; however, ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
On Sep. 13, 2018, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a press release about the Board proposing a rule change to its joint employer standard. In the release, it stated that on Sep. 14, the NLRB would be publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register regarding the NLRB’s joint employer standard. “Under the proposed rule, an employer may be found to be a ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
Employees who file a complaint against an employer because of unethical or unlawful practices they experience or witness on the job may be subject to retaliatory actions. Fortunately, federal laws prohibit employers from punishing employees for making complaints or participating in workplace investigations. Punishment doesn’t just mean termination or demotion. There are other times when ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
Social media has become an essential part of our daily lives. Whether it’s sharing photos of your vacation or staying updated with current events, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter enables to interact with the world like never before. Sometimes, however, social media activity can also get you fired. It is not uncommon for an angry employee to post something negative ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
There are a wide variety of reasons you may need to take a leave of absence from your job. Unfortunately, some employers may unfairly and illegally discriminate against those who wish to go on extended leave. Remember, you have rights to take leave and you have certain protections for retaining your job in Washington D.C. Federal Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Under federal law, you have a right to take ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
According to an audit issued by Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz, female FBI agents on June 26, ATF agents, DEA agents, and deputy marshals are underrepresented in the ranks of law enforcement. In addition, female investigators are rarely promoted to key jobs at our country’s top law enforcement agencies. In the report, women comprised only 16 percent of the criminal ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
In a case involving the rights of tens of millions of employees in the private sector, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a severe blow to workers in May, ruling that companies can use arbitration clauses in employment contracts to prohibit employees from banding together to challenge violations of federal labor laws. The vote was 5 to 4, Trump-nominated Justice Neil Gorsuch and four other ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
Over a week ago, President Trump issued three executive orders aimed at reducing the time it takes to fire federal employees. The president’s directives emphasize a merit-based system for employees, while cutting down the amount of time required before an agency can terminate a federal worker. In addition, they also encourage federal agencies to fire poor-performing employees rather than initially ...
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Posted By
John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law
Whether it is a federal discrimination or termination case, many federal employees are curious about the concept of constructive discharge and if it may apply to their case. A constructive discharge occurs when an employer wrongfully makes working conditions so intolerable that the employee is either forced to resign or retire by involuntary means. Common examples of constructive discharge in the ...
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