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. Commerce Unions Sue to Block New Ban on Collective Bargaining

Unions for employees at the Patent and Trademark Office and the National Weather Service sued the administration, arguing a recent executive order illegally added their agencies to the list where collective bargaining must be canceled. The complaint says the “national security” exception doesn’t fit their missions and was applied selectively. Two appellate courts have allowed implementation while broader litigation proceeds, so contracts may already be unwound as the case moves forward. Thousands of Commerce employees could see changes to representation, grievances, and official time. Federal News Network

Legal Insight: 

Even if a contract ends, your statutory rights remain. Keep the agency’s cancellation notice and any “replacement” procedures for disputes. If your union status changes, note the timelines for filing ULPs with the FLRA and for EEO or whistleblower routes. Ask HR—in writing—how to raise issues while the case is pending, and save copies of everything you submit.

2. Congress Returns with One Month to Avoid a Shutdown

Lawmakers are back with less than four weeks to fund the government before the September 30 deadline. Partisan fights over spending, policy riders, and the administration’s budget maneuvers raise the risk of a lapse, though leaders are discussing a short-term continuing resolution. Senate rules mean the majority still needs some minority votes to pass funding. Agencies are preparing for brinkmanship that could disrupt normal operations if a CR is not in place. Reuters

Legal Insight:  

Know your role under your agency’s shutdown plan: excepted vs. non-excepted work, timekeeping, and telework rules. Get any “excepted” designation in writing and save tasking emails—these affect pay and back-pay. If you’re on detail, confirm which agency’s plan governs you. Supervisors should update phone trees and set check-in times before September 30.

3. OPM: Digitizing Retirement and Data Dashboards Amid Staff Cuts

OPM Director Scott Kupor said the agency is rolling out a more automated, online retirement system and building public workforce data dashboards, even as OPM expects to lose roughly one-third of its staff this year. Retirement Services will triage simpler cases through the new platform while complex cases stay manual. OPM also plans deeper fraud/waste checks in FEHB and PSHB programs. The push aims to keep services moving during government-wide restructuring. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

If you’re nearing retirement, triple-check your SF-50s, service credit, and “high-3” with HR and keep copies. Submit complete packages early and save all upload confirmations. If your case is complex (multiple agencies, breaks in service), ask for status updates in writing and track deadlines. For FEHB/PSHB issues, keep EOBs and plan notices; those records matter if OPM reviews claims.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Mindful Listening Minute   

In your next meeting, challenge yourself to one minute of pure listening. Do not plan your response or take notes—just receive. Notice tone, inflection, and pace. Mindful listening strengthens professional relationships and often uncovers needs or concerns that would otherwise go unspoken. It’s a quiet skill with big returns.