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Civil Rights for Civil Servants
Hear Shaun Southworth and Lydia Taylor explain federal employee rights, public service, workplace systems, and the people navigating them.
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The CFPB Layoff Freeze Held — But the D.C. Circuit Did More Than Headlines Are Saying
The headlines say the federal appeals court kept the CFPB layoff freeze in place. That part is accurate. But the D.C. Circuit did more than that — and the part most reporting has g...
Hundreds of ODNI Jobs Are on the Line — What Intelligence Community Employees Need to Know About Their Rights
The office Congress built after the September 11 attacks to prevent the next intelligence failure is being downsized again — and this time, faster.
ODNI's own website now lists Bi...
A Year Later: Rebuilding After a Federal Layoff
NBC News recently reported that only 25% of former federal employees affected by the DOGE cuts have found new jobs. Behind that statistic are public servants who spent months apply...
Trump-Era Layoffs and the Future of the Federal Workforce
This week, Politico confirmed what many federal employees have been experiencing firsthand: sweeping staff cuts across the government. Nearly 200,000 federal workers are gone in 20...
When the System Feels Against You, Breathe
It’s not hyperbole to say this year has shaken the foundation for many federal employees. Being labeled “swamp creatures” or blamed for systemic dysfunction is not new—but the curr...
Why Some Agencies Are Pausing RIFs—and What It Means for You
Some agencies that once charged ahead with mass reductions in force (RIFs) are now quietly tapping the brakes. Officially, they’re citing early retirements and voluntary departures...
Supreme Court RIF Ruling: What Judge Illston’s New Order Means
Federal employees nationwide have been bracing for mass reductions in force (RIFs) after the Supreme Court lifted Judge Illston’s previous block on agency layoffs. But a late Wedne...
How to Support a Federal Colleague or Loved One Facing RIF Anxiety
When the Supreme Court green-lit broader Reduction in Force (RIF) measures, many federal employees began doom-scrolling in fear. If your teammate or loved one is among them, here’s...
What Happens After a Federal RIF Notice
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...
Court Double Freezes Layoffs at Certain Parts of HHS
Federal employees across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) received unexpected news this week. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction halting planned reduc...
Navigating the Storm: What Project 2025 Means for Federal Employees
If you’ve been feeling a sense of unease lately, you’re not alone. Project 2025 is making waves across federal agencies—and many of you are already feeling the tremors. This 900-pa...
Protecting Your Federal Career Amid Layoff Concerns
An exclusive Washington Post story has revealed a draft White House document suggesting that massive layoffs—ranging from 8% to 50%—may hit various federal agencies. While the docu...
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