Welcome to the Federal Employee Briefing by Southworth PC - attorneys for federal employees. Our online community has grown to over 120,000 federal employees and followers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn—united by timely legal insights and genuine care for workplace challenges, plus passionate legal and social advocacy to back those who back America. In today’s briefing, you'll get authoritative updates, practical strategies, and mindful guidance designed specifically for your federal career. Join us to stay informed, empowered, and supported. Thank you everyone for your support! We are grateful!
Top Three News Stories:
1. Supreme Court Petitioned to Halt Rehiring of Probationary Federal Employees
The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a lower court’s order that requires the reinstatement of approximately 16,000 probationary federal employees who were terminated earlier this year. The administration contends that the judiciary is intruding on executive authority by overruling workforce decisions meant to streamline government. This case comes amid ongoing legal battles over the balance of power between federal agencies, the courts, and the White House. Reuters
Legal Insight:
This petition raises critical questions about the separation of powers—specifically, whether courts can override executive actions on personnel when those actions affect constitutionally protected due process rights. While the executive has broad discretion to manage federal personnel, courts have consistently ruled that even probationary employees are entitled to minimum standards of fairness. A Supreme Court decision in this case could redefine the limits of judicial oversight in federal employment disputes.
2. EPA Employees Rally Against Budget Cuts and Regulatory Rollbacks
Environmental Protection Agency employees protested in several cities over sweeping cuts to funding and staff, which were initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk’s leadership. The EPA’s scientific and enforcement offices have reportedly been gutted, raising fears about the agency’s ability to meet its statutory responsibilities. Workers and union representatives argue the reductions undermine critical environmental protections and violate long-standing regulatory mandates. The Verge
Legal Insight:
Federal agencies like the EPA are bound by enabling statutes such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, which require them to maintain adequate capacity to enforce environmental laws. If staff cuts render an agency unable to fulfill these obligations, legal challenges may follow. Additionally, unions may file grievances or unfair labor practice claims if reductions are implemented without bargaining over working conditions as required under the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.
3. General Services Administration Scales Back Federal Property Sales
The GSA has dramatically reduced the number of federal buildings it plans to sell, scaling back from 440 to just eight. The original plan was criticized by lawmakers and employee unions for lacking transparency and threatening to displace public-facing federal services. The new, narrower list still includes several major properties, such as the Peachtree Summit Federal Building in Atlanta, and reflects ongoing pressure to cut costs and reduce physical office footprints. San Francisco Chronicle
Legal Insight:
Federal building sales are governed by the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, which requires agencies to consider the public interest and cost-benefit analysis before offloading government-owned property. Additionally, if agency relocations impact employees’ duties or locations, those changes may trigger bargaining obligations with unions and possibly entitle affected workers to relocation support or protections under RIF (reduction in force) guidelines.
Mindful Moment of the Day:
The "No-Rush" Rule for High-Stakes Decisions
Facing pressure to make rapid-fire decisions? Embrace the “No-Rush” Rule: pause deliberately, close your eyes if possible, and take three slow, deep breaths. This practice activates your rational mind and allows emotional intensity to dissipate. You’ll respond from a place of thoughtful calm rather than impulsive stress, making decisions that reflect your best professional judgment.
Legal Tip of the Day:
Navigating Medical Accommodation Requests
If you have a disability requiring workplace accommodations, your agency must engage proactively in an "interactive process" to identify suitable adjustments. Agencies that flatly deny requests without meaningful exploration of alternatives risk violating federal law. To effectively protect your rights, clearly document your requests, maintain all correspondence, and immediately address any improper denials or delays through legal counsel.
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Social Media Recap:
Hey Federal Employees! Our newest insights—fresh from social media—are now live on the blog. Check out today’s timely updates and practical tips to confidently navigate your federal employment challenges. Here's what's new:
Probationary Employees, Due Process, and the Power of MSPB
When Oversight Is Denied: Mindfulness Amid Constitutional Chaos
Is FEMA Being Eliminated? What Federal Employees Need to Know
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