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Shaun Southworth leading a federal employment training session with members of the Southworth PC team
 

What Happens After a Federal RIF Notice

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If you’ve received a Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or fear one is coming, understanding what triggers a fresh 60-day notice—and what doesn’t—can protect your job, retirement time...

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No Department-Wide RIF at VA – But Don’t Let Your Guard Down

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VA Secretary Doug Collins announced that a department-wide reduction in force (RIF) is officially “off the table.” For many federal employees, this lifts the heavy fear of 70,000–8...

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Nationwide RIF Injunction: Why the Ninth Circuit Decision Matters

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Federal employees across 21 agencies—including the VA, IRS, and Department of Education—are holding their breath this week. A nationwide injunction blocking a massive Reduction in ...

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A Federal RIF Freeze: What the Latest Court Ruling Means

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Federal employees, especially those recently impacted by Reduction in Force (RIF) notices, received a powerful message this week: the law still protects your job. In a pivotal hear...

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Federal Judge Signals Possible Block on Trump-Era RIF Orders

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Federal employees facing a potential layoff under a controversial executive order may have just gained a powerful ally: the U.S. Constitution. On May 9, a federal judge in San Fran...

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VA Workforce Cuts: 80,000 Jobs or More at Risk

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If you work at the Department of Veterans Affairs—or know someone who does—this week’s developments are hard to ignore. Secretary Doug Collins just confirmed in congressional testi...

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When a RIF Notice Arrives: How to Face Uncertainty with Clarity

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If you've recently received a Reduction in Force (RIF) notice, it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The fear of job instability, abrupt change, and unanswered questions can ...

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How to Stay Grounded and Take Smart Action When A RIF Hits

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If you’ve just received a Reduction in Force (RIF) notice—or you’re anxiously waiting to see if one is coming—know this: you’re not alone, and you are not powerless. What you’re go...

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Federal Employees: How to Protect Yourself Amid Potential Layoffs

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This is not a drill. Federal agencies are moving quickly to implement Reductions in Force (RIFs)—and recent guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may strip your un...

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Thousands of Probationary Federal Employees Terminated— Until A Judge's Ruling Halted It

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Last week, a federal judge issued a ruling that could have life-changing consequences for thousands of federal employees. The government attempted to terminate a large number of pr...

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Federal RIFs: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

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A major shift may be coming for federal employees. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have issued a new memo outlining a two-pha...

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How to Protect Yourself in a Federal RIF

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If you're a federal employee concerned about a Reduction in Force (RIF), preparation is key. The first step? Check your most recent SF 50—this document plays a significant role in ...

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About the people behind the work

Shaun Southworth & Lydia Taylor

Meet the federal employment attorneys behind this public-education work and the podcast Civil Rights for Civil Servants.

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