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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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Why Merit Systems—and Giving Back—Still Matter
For many federal employees, the idea of a “merit system” can feel abstract—something discussed in regulations or performance plans. But for those who grew up without safety nets, m...
When Agencies Cap “5s”: The Hidden Risks of Forced Performance Ratings
For many federal employees, a performance year ends with a quiet shock: strong feedback all year, solid results, and then a rating capped at a “3” because the office “can’t give to...
The Risk of Ending Progressive Discipline in Federal Employment
For decades, the federal workplace has recognized that mistakes happen and that growth is part of the process. Progressive discipline reflects this truth: employees receive coachin...
TSA Union Protections Revoked: What It Means for Federal Employees
A major decision has just shaken the federal workforce: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked union protections for TSA screeners. This means no more collective bar...
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Shaun Southworth & Lydia Taylor
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