Federal Employee Discipline & Appeals

<h2>Federal Employee Protections</h2><p>Federal employees enjoy unique protections under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. Adverse actions (removal, suspension over 14 days, reduction in grade/pay, furlough) can be appealed to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), with further review available in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.</p><h2>MSPB Appeal Process</h2><ul><li>File appeal within 30 days of the effective date of the adverse action</li><li>Administrative judge conducts hearing and issues initial decision</li><li>Petition for review to the full MSPB Board</li><li>Judicial review in the Federal Circuit (or district court for mixed cases)</li></ul><h2>Whistleblower Protections</h2><p>The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) and Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA) protect federal employees who disclose waste, fraud, abuse, or violations of law. Complaints are filed with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), with appeal rights to the MSPB.</p>