Brought to you by Southworth PC—Attorneys for Federal Employees
Our online community now tops 150,000 federal workers and supporters across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Each briefing distills the day’s most consequential developments, adds clear-eyed legal analysis, and pairs it with mindfulness tools that keep you steady no matter how turbulent the news cycle becomes. If this newsletter helps you stay informed, please pass it on: https://fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter. Your advocacy broadens the protective circle for every federal employee.
Top Three News Stories:
1. Trump Orders New Federal Hiring for a Special Law-Enforcement Unit
A new executive order tells several agencies to hire and train a specialized unit that can deploy to Washington, D.C., and, if needed, other cities to support public safety. It also directs the National Park Service to hire more U.S. Park Police and the Justice Department to bring on additional prosecutors in D.C. The order adds an online portal to recruit people with law-enforcement or similar backgrounds and notes all hiring must follow funding limits and applicable law. Agencies are already supporting a larger federal presence in D.C. under the White House “Safe and Beautiful” initiative. Government Executive
Legal Insight:
An executive order does not skip civil-service rules. New roles still need valid job classifications, vacancy announcements (or detail authority), and proper pay/benefits. If you’re asked to deploy or detail, get written orders showing tour length, overtime and premium-pay rules, and who covers travel. Your EEO and whistleblower rights remain the same during any detail.
2. HHS Cancels Multiple Union Contracts Under White House Directive
Health and Human Services ended collective-bargaining agreements across several subcomponents (including the Office of the Secretary, OGC, FDA, CDC, NIH/NIAID, ASPR and ORR), citing the administration’s order to curb bargaining rights at most agencies. The move follows appellate stays that let the policy take effect while lawsuits continue, and a tweak to OPM guidance that still bars canceling National Treasury Employees Union contracts but allows terminations with other unions. Unions say the cancellations are unlawful and plan further challenges. The department said the change will focus resources on mission needs. Government Executive
Legal Insight:
Even if a contract ends, statutory rights do not. You can still file EEO complaints, OSC whistleblower disclosures, and MSPB appeals on normal deadlines. Save any agency notice changing your bargaining status and any “replacement” procedures for grievances. Ask HR—in writing—what interim processes apply while litigation is pending.
3. FEMA Employees Publish Letter Warning Cuts Risk Disaster Response
More than 180 current and former FEMA employees released a public letter warning that staffing losses and policy changes could weaken disaster response. The letter criticizes spending-approval limits and other moves they say slow missions, and urges Congress to make FEMA a cabinet-level, independent agency. It arrives during the Katrina-anniversary week and after recent flood response criticism. DHS said reforms aim to ensure funds reach communities and dismissed the objections. Federal News Network
Legal Insight:
If you raise concerns, use protected channels (IG, OSC, Congress, or supervisors) and keep copies of what you send. Whistleblower protections apply to disclosures about waste, fraud, abuse, or dangers to health/safety. If you’re told to change duties or deploy with little notice, ask for written tasking and note any safety or training gaps. Documentation protects you if there’s later retaliation or a dispute.
Mindful Moment of the Day:
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
When stress hits, especially after hearing breaking news or policy shifts, use this quick grounding tool: identify 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste. It brings your attention back to the present and interrupts anxious thought loops. Practiced by therapists and trial attorneys alike, this simple technique builds calm from chaos.
Legal Tip of the Day:
You Have the Right to a Union Rep During Certain Interviews—Use It
If you're a member of a bargaining unit and you're being called into a meeting that could lead to discipline, you don’t have to go in alone. You have the legal right to request a union representative under 5 U.S.C. § 7114(a)(2)(B). That protection applies as long as you reasonably believe the interview could result in disciplinary action. But here's the catch—you have to **ask** for it. If you're unsure, don't hesitate: invoke your right and protect yourself by having someone in the room who understands your rights.
Important Announcement: New RIF Appeal Resources Now Available
Before we dive into today's briefing, we want to quickly highlight new resources we've created specifically for federal employees facing Reduction-in-Force (RIF) actions. Given the challenging situation many federal workers now face, we've developed three tailored options to help you successfully appeal your RIF before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB):
-
DIY Online Course (Bronze Level): Step-by-step video modules, proven templates, and strategic guidance to help you confidently file your own MSPB appeal. $199.
👉 Enroll Here -
DIY Course + One-on-One Strategy Sessions (Silver Level): After enrolling in the DIY course, schedule private strategy sessions ($350/hour, up to three sessions) to personalize the course materials to your specific case.
-
Full Attorney Representation (Gold Level): Professional legal advocacy for high-stakes RIF cases, beginning with a confidential consultation ($350) to outline your strongest arguments and next steps. Retainers start at $5,000.
👉 Schedule Your RIF Strategy Consult
We designed these solutions to empower you—regardless of your budget or your case's complexity. Take action today to protect your federal career and future.
Live Q&A — Saturday, 11 a.m. ET
Bring your toughest workplace questions to our interactive coaching call. Free three-day trial, $19/month thereafter, cancel anytime. Members receive replays, written takeaways, and mindfulness drills that translate legal theory into daily practice. Reserve your seat: https://fedlegalhelp.com/join
Deep-Dive Courses for When the Stakes Are Personal
Navigating Reasonable Accommodations: Maximize Telework
$199 USD
Request accommodations confidently with step-by-step videos, professional templates, and mindfulness tools.
👉 Buy Now
Federal Employee RIF Masterclass: Protect Your Future
$199 USD
Secure your career during a Reduction in Force (RIF) with clear video lessons, actionable checklists, and stress-management techniques.
👉 Enroll Today
Need Personalized Advice?
A federal job moves fast—and so do the deadlines to fight discrimination, retaliation, potential discipline, or a removal. If you are interested in seeing if we can help you, one short, confidential call with Southworth PC might be able to help. The consultation is free, you speak with an attorney (not a screener), and our hybrid-retainer model caps your up-front costs until we win or settle.
We litigate before the EEOC, MSPB, and OSC nationwide, drawing on decades of inside knowledge of agency tactics. Protect your rights before the next deadline closes.
👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
|
Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Southworth PC provides these insights to help federal employees better understand their rights and navigate workplace developments, but every situation is unique. If you are facing a specific employment issue, you should consult a qualified attorney to discuss the facts of your case. While we aim to ensure the accuracy of legal interpretations at the time of publication, changes in law or policy may affect how the information applies to your circumstances. We’re proud to stand with federal employees—and we’re here when it matters most.
Responses