This week, the federal government teeters on the edge of shutdown, due the Congresses' inability to complete a continuing resolution to fund the government. Federal employees yet again face the loss of income, in addition to disruptive nature of having to stop doing their jobs for an indefinite period. One additional employee right affected with this government shutdown is the right to speak about the shutdown.
Federal employees cannot comment on no comment order
MSPB finds furloughs similar to RIF
One of the first furlough decisions by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has been issued in a case from the Treasury Department. The case involved discovery issues, but the MSPB also provided information on how it will examine furlough decisions.
MSPB handling more than 30,000 DoD furlough appeals
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) reported on September 10 that it had received more than 32,000 appeals this fiscal year, with the vast majority of them being furlough-related from Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees. They also indicate that they have received approximately 6,000 filings during the same period for other matters not related to the sequester triggered furloughs.
Political emails and Hatch Act violations
Working for the federal government has some advantages over the private sector. Job security was generally very good, as many jobs are essential and not easily replaced by private companies. The benefits were also above average, with good healthcare coverage and a genuine pension plan. And federal employees have the satisfaction of doing important jobs that serve their country.
A good guess may be bad if it is "sensitive information"
Social media, like Facebook or LinkedIn and other online sites, makes it easy to connect with old friends, make new friends and engage in a community with similar interests. For workers, especially federal workers, you can discuss your job and workplace and in many cases, the site may serve as the equivalent of the water cooler.
