What Rights Are Protected Under The Civil Service Reform Act?
Nov. 30, 2022
The Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) was introduced in 1978 to protect federal employees and managers and provide flexibility to improve government operations and productivity. The law also protects these employees from unwarranted and unfair practices. If you are one of them and face workplace harassment because you refuse to participate in these practices, contact a Federal employee discrimination attorney in Illinois.
A Breakdown of the CSRA
The CSRA effectively replaced the Civil Service Commission (CSC) with the following:
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides human resources and policy managers for employers in the Federal Government. This includes leadership and support that can aid these agencies in serving the American public better. The OPM also manages the civilian service.
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)
The MSPB protects merit system policies and promotes an efficient workforce without prohibited practices. The board also takes care of federal employees' appeals to protect their rights.
The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)
The Federal Labor Relations Authority provides a bargaining platform and network for federal employees from different sectors. It also manages all labor-management relationship protocols and methods and acts as a bridge between the federal government and its workers.
The Role of the CSRA
The CSRA is considered the most significant reform in the government since the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which only allowed the selection of a few government employees via exams rather than political connections. As per this Act, federal employees cannot be fired or demoted by government officials because of political reasons.
Once the CSRA was established, a new grade classification was created for top government managers. This is called the Senior Executive Service (SES). The managers in this category were placed in strategic locations throughout the government and were given bonuses as awards based on evaluations and merit. The Act also protected employees who were whistleblowers from being fired by vengeful employers.
What You Can Do If a Federal Employer Mistreated You
If you face discrimination in a federal agency, you must follow specific protocols that are different from private sector ones as per the Civil Service Reform Act. You must contact the Equal Employment Opportunity counselor within 45 days of the discriminatory action. You will be asked to participate in counseling or a dispute resolution process. If these don't work, you can complain at your agency. However, if your complaint is dismissed, you should immediately contact a Federal employee discrimination attorney in Illinois.
Contact the Law Office of Michael T. Smith & Associates for a Consultation Today!
The legal process for federal employees can be long and complex without the proper support and resources. At the Law Office of Michael T. Smith & Associates, we have extensive experience aiding government employees cut through red tape, ensure their complaints are addressed and receive due compensation for damages. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding your case. Just dial 847-750-3851 to book a consultation today. The longer you wait, the worse it may get for you. Take action now!