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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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A recent Federal News Network survey found that most federal employees say returning to the office has made them less productive — but for most workers, a return-to-office (RTO) or...
The Department of Veterans Affairs is rescinding telework accommodations for disabled veterans on its own payroll — and telling at least one employee that his 150-mile daily commut...
For many federal employees with disabilities, telework is not a preference. It is the difference between being able to perform the essential functions of a job and being pushed out...
If your agency is asking for your “full medical file” to approve telework, pause. Under the Rehabilitation Act (which applies ADA standards to federal employees), agencies are enti...
If a telework accommodation was denied with phrases like “teamwork,” “collaboration,” or “we need you here face-to-face,” pause before accepting that answer as final. Those words m...
When a supervisor says, “Telework is an undue hardship,” it can sound final. It is not. Under the Rehabilitation Act—applying ADA standards—the agency must provide a reasonable acc...
One of the most damaging myths in federal workplaces right now is this: that you must use specific legal language to request a telework accommodation. You do not.
You do not have ...
If you’re being told, “Report in-person or you’ll be marked AWOL,” pause—but do not panic.
AWOL (Absent Without Leave) is often the pivot point where a disability accommodation di...
Federal employees are being told a familiar story: “Leadership says return-to-office, so telework accommodations are over.” That framing is legally risky—and often a sign the agenc...
Federal employees across agencies are reporting the same pattern: telework is being reduced or rescinded, even when it was requested as a disability accommodation. The confusion of...
Federal employees are increasingly hearing a troubling message: “Telework accommodations are basically over.” That statement may reflect agency frustration or shifting workplace cu...
The EEOC and OPM recently issued new “guidance” on telework as a disability accommodation. On its face, it appears technical. In practice, it is likely to shape how supervisors res...
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Podcast
Hear Shaun Southworth and Lydia Taylor explain federal employee rights, public service, workplace systems, and the people navigating them.
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