On The Blog

The EEOC issued an appellate decision in the Jefferson v. SSA Class Action. Find out more about the decision by clicking here.

KPWH attorneys filed a lawsuit on January 9, 2019 to end the practice of forcing certain federal employees to work while in unpaid status during the government shutdown. The suit alleges that this practice violates the Thirteenth Amendment’s prohibition of involuntary servitude. The suit also claims that the government is in violation of the Fifth Amendment by prohibiting federal employees from obtaining outside employment during a government shutdown, and that the government’s practice of compelling some federal employees to provide unpaid work violates the Constitution’s separation of powers and other federal statutes.

A copy of the lawsuit is available by clicking here.

KPWH is honored to have filed suit on behalf of federal employees standing up for their rights. For more information about our law firm, or for contact information, click here.

The New York Times published opinion article by a member of the Trump Administration describing efforts by federal employees to prevent and oppose misconduct by the Administration.  The Administration has since launched an inquiry to find and intimidate employees that may be whistleblowers.  These actions demonstrate how important it is that federal employees know their rights under federal whistleblower laws.  These protections are broad, covering a wide range of disclosures related to government misconduct. Even federal employees who did not blow the whistle, but are perceived to have done so, are protected by the Whistleblower Protection Act.

Whether a federal employee is actually protected under whistleblower laws depends heavily on the circumstances.  Those that feel they have been targeted as actual or perceived whistleblowers should consider the options available to them, including contacting the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.  Federal employees looking to determine their particular rights under federal whistleblower protections should consult an attorney, and can contact Kator, Parks, Weiser & Harris, PLLC.