Resources for Federal Workers
Since January 20, significant policy changes have affected the federal workforce, leading to firings, workers being placed on indefinite leave, and other disruptions. I am committed to a strong and nonpartisan civil service that can deliver for the American people.
I oppose the mass firings that have led to chaos for New Mexico and have threatened local economies and essential services. If you are a federal employee and have been fired, or are worried that you may be fired, I deeply appreciate your commitment to public service and am sorry for the uncertainty these decisions have caused you. I am fighting for you and all New Mexicans in Washington. In the meantime, you may benefit from the information and resources below.
As you navigate this challenging time in federal employment, please contact your union or HR representatives for more information. Please be advised that the information below is for general informational purposes only. Its contents do not constitute legal advice and are not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you seek legal advice regarding any matter on this page.
Resources if you believe you were targeted for a political reason
As a federal employee, you may enjoy certain rights depending on your employment status. Those rights can include certain due process protections, appeal rights, and may prevent you from being terminated for reasons other than performance or misconduct. To understand prohibited personnel practices including the right to appeal, visit here: https://www.mspb.gov/ppp/ppp.htm#faq
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/employee-relations/employee-rights-appeals/
If you are a government employee with information related to the politicization of the federal workforce, the firing of civil servants, and waste, fraud, or abuse of taxpayer dollars, you may reach out anonymously to the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.
If you are a federal employee who believes you are being targeted for dismissal by the Trump administration for any reason other than performance or misconduct, such as political reasons, you may wish to consider:
- Keeping detailed records of your job performance, including performance reviews, commendations, and successful projects.
- Downloading or printing your personnel files using the link here.
- Recording any evidence of discrimination based off political affiliation happening in your workplace.
- Being cautious on social media, as new executive orders may allow for scrutiny of personal accounts.
- Whistleblowers are also protected from retaliation under the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). Most federal executive branch employees are protected under the WPA when reporting (1) a violation of law, rule, or regulation, (2) abuse of power, or (3) substantial and specific danger to public safety. Reports can be made through the new Senate Democrat Whistleblower Portal linked here.
If you are a federal employee who has been terminated for any reason other than performance or misconduct, such as political reasons, you may have the right to:
- Seek legal advice from a federal employment law attorney.
- If you are a union member, contact your union representative for support.
- File an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). MSPB is an independent agency that enforces laws protecting civil service workers from political retaliation and other prohibited employment practices.
- Find the link to the e-filing and case management system for MSPB here.
- Obtain review of a final order or decision of the MSPB by filing a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
If you are a probationary employee who has been terminated and you think the termination (or other adverse personnel action) is based on a prohibited personnel practice, consult your union or legal counsel to know your options.
Resources for fired employees
To find immediate help for temporary continuation of healthcare insurance, click here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/laws-and-regulations/laws/cobra
To find local help for healthcare insurance, click here: https://www.healthcare.gov/find-local-help/#/
To access emergency unemployment insurance and other resources, click here:
https://www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefits
To access information about paying your bills and managing your credit, click here
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/tools-to-help-pay-bills/
You can review your employment rights under federal law here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/employee-relations/employee-rights-appeals/#url=Appeals
For a basic primer on civil service law, click here: https://guides.loc.gov/federal-civil-service-employment-law
Job Resources
The office of Governor Lujan Grisham and state agencies are working to provide resources, support, and education and training opportunities for recently fired federal employees. To find this dedicated page, click here.
To find job opportunities within the state government, please visit the State Personnel website here:
To find job opportunities in New Mexico and career resources, please click here:
https://www.jobs.state.nm.us/vosnet/default.aspx
The Americas Job Center (ACJ) of New Mexico is ready to support your career. Please find more information here.
As always, please remember that my office is here to help. If you or a loved one need assistance, please don't hesitate to call us at (202)-225-2365.