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What the Pentagon Isn’t Telling You About Mass Firings

federal employee rights federal employment job termination mspb appeal workplace retaliation Mar 11, 2025
 

If you or someone you know works for the Department of Defense (DOD), you may have heard about the shocking terminations happening right now. Thousands of federal employees—many of them veterans, top performers, and even those who weren’t actually on probation—are being abruptly fired. Some were let go just an hour before their probationary period ended. Others had glowing performance reviews but still lost their jobs.

This isn't just about performance. Many suspect these terminations are a hidden reduction in force, a way for agencies to cut jobs without going through the legal requirements of a formal layoff. If that’s the case, these firings may not be lawful—and they deserve to be challenged.

 

Your Legal Options: Class Actions & Individual Cases

Many affected employees are considering a class action lawsuit, which may be a strong legal avenue for those who were wrongly terminated under the same pattern of misconduct. However, not every case fits into a class action.

Some firings involve:
Misclassification – Employees told they were probationary when they were not.
Retaliation – Firing employees who spoke up or filed complaints.
Discrimination – Terminations based on age, race, disability, or other protected factors.
Due Process Violations – Firing employees without proper reviews or notice.

If you believe your termination was unlawful, you may have a case to fight back.

 

Navigating the MSPB Appeal Process

For those challenging their termination, time is critical. You only have 30 days to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) before your rights expire. The MSPB process can be daunting, which is why our team has developed a step-by-step training series to help employees file strong appeals and advocate for themselves.

This video guide walks you through:
🔹 Understanding the MSPB process
🔹 Gathering evidence for your case
🔹 Responding to agency claims
🔹 Presenting your case effectively

We want you to have the knowledge and tools to fight for your job the right way.

Take Action Now

If you or someone you know was fired from the DOD, don’t wait. Once the deadline passes, you may lose your chance to challenge it.

No one should lose their federal career unfairly. If agencies are cutting jobs under false pretenses, they must be held accountable. Stay informed, protect your rights, and take action before it’s too late.

 

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.

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