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. Former Feds Sue OSC Over Decision to Drop Mass Probationary-Firing Cases

A new lawsuit challenges the Office of Special Counsel’s reversal on thousands of complaints from probationary employees removed earlier this year, after OSC leadership changed and the agency halted its probes. Plaintiffs argue the reversal and case closures violate the Administrative Procedure Act and ignore OSC’s statutory duties, while OSC previously told the Merit Systems Protection Board that agencies have broad discretion to fire probationers. The case could influence how watchdogs treat prohibited personnel practice complaints from new hires. For rank-and-file employees in or near probation, this means documentation and timelines matter even more if you face removal while still in your first year or two. Federal News Network

Legal Insight: 

Keep every performance email, memo, and appraisal; ask for any adverse action in writing and note dates. Probationers have fewer appeal rights, but claims tied to discrimination, whistleblowing, or other prohibited personnel practices may still be viable. If OSC declines to investigate or your case is closed, calendar deadlines for MSPB, EEO, or union grievance routes immediately. Seek counsel quickly if you receive a proposed removal or if investigators ask for statements related to your case.

2. Unions Urge VA to Restore Collective-Bargaining Rights Ahead of Agency Deadline

Leaders from multiple federal unions pressed the Veterans Affairs secretary to reinstate bargaining rights for broad groups of VA employees before a Friday cutoff created by recent executive orders that expanded a bargaining ban. The letter argues the ban has hurt staffing and morale and asks VA to use its authority to exempt more units. Any decision would shape how grievances, schedules, and working conditions are negotiated across VA hospitals and offices. For VA employees, watch for unit-specific notices this week—your ability to use the grievance process or bargain changes could shift quickly based on the secretary’s exemptions. Government Executive

Legal Insight:  

If you’re in a bargaining unit, check whether your unit is listed for exemption or still restricted, and save agency or union notices. Keep records of unresolved issues that would ordinarily be grieved, in case rights are restored and timelines reopen. For proposed changes to schedules, telework, or duties, ask in writing whether they are covered by bargaining obligations. Contact your union or an attorney if management implements changes without required bargaining or if you’re told you’re no longer in a unit.

3. OPM Says 2025 Combined Federal Campaign will Proceed, But Future is in Doubt

After a temporary pause, the Office of Personnel Management told agencies the Combined Federal Campaign will run October 1–December 31, 2025, while warning that high administrative costs and falling participation could end the program as soon as 2026. OPM’s memo and blog post say it will “evaluate changes” next year, citing estimates that roughly a third of donations are consumed by overhead. Agencies are instructed to support access to the CFC website and to avoid pressuring employees to give. For federal employees, this means the 2025 season is on with normal donation channels, but you should expect potential changes—or even discontinuation—next year. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

Giving is voluntary; supervisors may not coerce donations or track who gives. If you organize events, follow agency ethics and CFC rules, and get written approval for any on-duty activity. Consider payroll vs. one-time gifts with an eye toward fees and your own records for tax purposes. Seek counsel or ethics guidance if you’re asked to solicit subordinates or if fundraising mixes with official duties or vendor relationships.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Pen Pause in Draft Reviews    

Halfway through reviewing a heavily redlined MSPB brief or policy memo, set your pen down and close your eyes. Place a hand on your diaphragm, inhale until you feel the belly rise, and let your exhale last slightly longer than your inhale. This moment interrupts the creeping irritability that often colors feedback. By resetting your prefrontal cortex, you’ll respond with sharper logic and less emotional reactivity.