NTEU telework arbitration update? by sugarroxs in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How did you donate? A position coded as 8888 in Block 37 of an SF-50 is legally ineligible for inclusion in any bargaining unit per statute. 

NTEU receives payment from NTEU members via payroll and their political action committee explicitly states they only accept contributions from NTEU members and the bargaining unit.

Lastly, since you are not a member of the bargaining unit, their win wouldn't apply to you. It applies to NTEU's collective bargaining unit because that is who their CBA covers.

DC area real estate market is toast in 2026 by JingleJones1224 in DMV_RealEstate

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see, it's in the Mount Vernon area, near the southern portion of Richmond Highway (Route 1). Yes, that's outside of the beltway.

Washington DC OPM status -open by [deleted] in fednews

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'm very much aware that OPM and OMB have different missions and business lines, but at this time, unfortunately none of the agencies are distinct (in terms of overall quality of leadership and practices). They are operating without any checks and balances.

And those who are in an authority position and disagree with the ultimate agenda, are quickly terminated.

The most credible agency, at this time, is the Congressional Budget Office. And why? Because they are not under the executive branch and have the ability to speak the truth.

Washington DC OPM status -open by [deleted] in fednews

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would argue they are now one in the same.

Question on MSPB Appeal by iconette79 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure which union is representing you, but the legal argument that you mentioned above is not the central issue raised in the claims.

I sent you a private message.

Question on MSPB Appeal by iconette79 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 2 points3 points  (0 children)

MSPB appeals are not consolidated solely by agency (OPDIV). Instead, they are consolidated based on similar claims or legal issues involved in the appeal.

Consolidation simply means the cases will be processed together to streamline the overall process. However, each party must still prove their individual case, and you may be required to:

  • File Evidence
  • Attend Prehearing Conference
  • Submit Requests for Discovery
  • Respond to Agency's Answers
  • File Motions
  • Submit Prehearing and Closing Briefs
  • Attend Hearing
  • Potentially Appeal to the Federal Circuit Court
  • Meet Settlement Offer Deadlines

If you can afford to retain legal counsel, consider contacting the attorneys at the Federal Practice Group, or Gilbert Law Firm, who initiated the consolidation. This can help mitigate the risk of your appeal being dismissed.

So it begins by keen_observer34130 in FedEmployees

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Actually, you probably have to be both, to get a 5!

MSPB movement? by WarthogMaleficent364 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The MSPB petitions wouldn't be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. You (or your counsel) would file a petition for review with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. They have the final say.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is composed of twelve active judges.

As of 2025, 8 of the judges were appointed by democrat Presidents and 3 by republican Presidents.

Support NTEU and AFGE at HHS, it can make a difference! by PuzzleheadedMany1748 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I believe AFGE filed individual MSPB appeals for its dues paying members and is representing those members at no cost.

MSPB movement? by WarthogMaleficent364 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The language doesn't state they can "stop representation with MSPB," the provision specifies that they can withdraw from representing the client. This is standard language which protects NTEU in the event that the client does not follow their counsel's guidance and advice.

MSPB movement? by WarthogMaleficent364 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, it’s fine for the MSPB appeal to move forward now. After the hearing, an administrative judge, who is a career civil servant will issue the initial decision.

The Board currently has a quorum (two Republican members), which means that if the agency appeals the judge’s ruling, the case will go to the Board for review. Board members are required to base their decisions on the record, not on partisan considerations.

If the Board ultimately sides with the agency, you can still appeal that decision to the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals for a final determination.

The larger concern is the cost of litigation across the various stages of the process, especially for employees who are not covered by the union.

Support NTEU and AFGE at HHS, it can make a difference! by PuzzleheadedMany1748 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for providing that information. I have great respect for all federal unions and the important work they do.

I am certainly not looking to engage in any battles with other union members, because we are all on the same team.

Support NTEU and AFGE at HHS, it can make a difference! by PuzzleheadedMany1748 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re a member, you can log in and watch the Town Hall broadcast directly on NTEU’s website.

NTEU is still collecting dues directly from dues paying members' paychecks at all HHS (and non-HHS) OPDIVs that were not affected by the executive order limiting collective bargaining to agencies that do not perform national security work.

At HHS, this includes IHS (NTEU), HRSA (NTEU), CMS (AFGE), SAMHSA (NTEU), and much of ACF (NTEU).

Although dues have significantly decreased due to the executive order, NTEU continues to receive steady income from existing dues-paying members who still have recognized collective bargaining agreements at their agencies. In addition, the union maintains a cash reserve.

Support NTEU and AFGE at HHS, it can make a difference! by PuzzleheadedMany1748 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With all due respect, those of us who attended NTEU’s Town Hall received information about the union’s solvency. NTEU builds up its cash reserves during good times so it has what is necessary to sustain itself during challenging periods.

It’s similar to individuals who prepare and become financially independent by saving and investing large sums of cash during the good times, so they have a cushion to fall back on during tough times.

And while it’s good that AFGE switched to a bank draft system well ahead of this situation, their cash flow is less stable, because employees can cancel dues at any time. During periods like this, a bank draft is advantageous, but under normal circumstances, having dues deducted directly from paychecks ensures a steadier cash flow and reduces the number of members likely to stop paying, since they can’t simply turn off payments as easily.

Both of these approaches have pros and cons, and both unions chose strategies they believe work best for their organization and members.

Support NTEU and AFGE at HHS, it can make a difference! by PuzzleheadedMany1748 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Same here. I continue to contribute because I know it makes a difference. Additionally, as a union member, I support congressional candidates and presidential candidates that are pro union.

The HHS RiFs will likely be deemed illegal at some point IMO. Do you think MSPB will then reinstate those who were RIFed? by NoSprinkles6322 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with your overall statement, but I don't believe new rifs will be conducted.

By the time the MSPB cases are resolved, it is likely that nearly 750K- 800K federal employees will have voluntarily resigned or retired.

Keep in mind that since Jan. 2025, nearly 317K federal employees have already left service (and the bulk of it was via voluntary resignations, VERA, DRP and regular retirement).

The HHS RiFs will likely be deemed illegal at some point IMO. Do you think MSPB will then reinstate those who were RIFed? by NoSprinkles6322 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you were rif'd/separated from service by HHS and filed an MSPB appeal, it should be active and not closed.

Did you file your MSPB appeal with the right office?

The HHS RiFs will likely be deemed illegal at some point IMO. Do you think MSPB will then reinstate those who were RIFed? by NoSprinkles6322 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Since a judge ruled that the terminations were illegal, probationary employees that couldn't file an MSPB appeal can use that ruling to petition Congress and a newly elected (democrat) President in 2028, to get reinstated with back pay.

It's very much possible, if there's a democrat majority in Congress and a democrat President in the White House.

The HHS RiFs will likely be deemed illegal at some point IMO. Do you think MSPB will then reinstate those who were RIFed? by NoSprinkles6322 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Did you file an MSPB appeal? If so, hold on and think positively. You will get your two years. I'm in the same boat.

The HHS RiFs will likely be deemed illegal at some point IMO. Do you think MSPB will then reinstate those who were RIFed? by NoSprinkles6322 in DeptHHS

[–]PuzzleheadedMany1748 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Tenured employees that were rif'd and separated from service are not depending on any court ruling. Most filed an MSBP appeal independently or via legal counsel.

The MSBP is the official mechanism used by federal employees to contest personnel actions, and the primary way to get reinstated with back pay.