Resources for Federal Workers

My fellow Illinoisans,

I'm deeply concerned by the Trump Administration’s mass layoffs and severe mistreatment of federal employees. Illinois federal workers are vital to our state, selflessly serving our communities and providing families with the support they need day-in and day-out. By indiscriminately firing so many across our federal workforce, the Trump Administration is leaving many Illinoisans—including our Veterans—without a paycheck and jeopardizing vital services that middle-class Americans depend on in areas like health care, education and public safety. If you are a federal employee who has been impacted, please reach out to me to share your story. This link opens in new window or tab.

My office and I remain committed to holding this Administration accountable and helping federal employees who have been terminated or fear their federal jobs may be at risk. Below is a list of resources available to federal workers in Illinois.

Sincerely,

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Know Your Rights as a Federal Worker

As a federal employee, you continue to have certain rights and legal remedies available to you. If you suspect that you are being targeted for improper or unlawful reasons, consider taking the following steps:

  1. Document all relevant information.
  2. Seek legal counsel: Consult with an attorney who specializes in federal employment law or seek guidance from your union.
    • Below, under the "Illinois Resources" section, see several links to legal services in Illinois.
  3. File a formal complaint.

OPM Employee Rights & AppealsThis link opens in new window or tab.: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides guidance on federal employees' rights, including avenues for appealing personnel decisions and ensuring compliance with civil service laws and regulations.

Several unions maintain a national consultation partnership with the Office of Personnel Management. Locate your union at this OPM webpage.This link opens in new window or tab.

 

How to File a Complaint

If you are a current or former federal employee and have been subjected by your employer to any of the following prohibited personnel practicesThis link opens in new window or tab., you have the right to file a complaintThis link opens in new window or tab. with the Office of Special Counsel. The OSC can seek corrective measures, including actions to remedy the situation or disciplinary measures against the responsible agency officials.

More information on the Office of Special Counsel (OSC)This link opens in new window or tab.: The OSC investigates complaints of prohibited personnel practices, including whistleblower retaliation, and safeguards the rights of federal employees who report violations of law or misconduct.

If you are a federal employee or federal job applicant and believe you have been discriminated against due to your race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, pregnancy, or transgender status), national origin, age (40 and older), disability or genetic information, you can file a complaintThis link opens in new window or tab. to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).This link opens in new window or tab. The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity in the workplace for all employees regardless of race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.

 

How to Appeal to the Merit System Protection

If you are a federal employee and believe one of the following personnel actions were taken against you not on the basis of merit but for other reasons, you have the right to appeal the personnel action to the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB).This link opens in new window or tab. The MSPB is an independent agency that protects federal employees from unfair treatment by overseeing appealsThis link opens in new window or tab. related to disciplinary actions, removals, and other adverse employment decisions.

 

Healthcare Resources

 

Illinois Resources

 

Other Resources

 

If you are a former federal employee who has been terminated and would like to share your story with our office, please contact: 312-886-3506 or share your story hereThis link opens in new window or tab..

For more assistance visit: https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/help/help-with-a-federal-agency