This comprehensive book, first authored by Passman & Kaplan in 1999, and updated in 2004, has been called the definitive how-to guide for enforcing the rights of federal employees. The third edition of the Guide includes about 60 pages of additional new material and useful advice. New features include information on furloughs, non-critical sensitive positions, personal liability, federal employee special categories, internet research, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), updated privacy and medical confidentiality and also updated whistleblowers protection. The Guide also includes a listing of frequently used civil service acronyms and practical appendices of sample forms, charts illustrating appeal rights, and commonly-needed deadlines. As with the first and second editions of the Guide, Passman & Kaplan has attempted to move away from the legalese which so often complicates an already-bewildering array of regulations and policies. Although the Federal Employees Legal Survival Guide, Third Edition is clearly an invaluable resource for practioners, Passman & Kaplan has maintained its commitment to target the book to the average federal employee.

Includes index.

Appointment in the federal civil service and suitability for federal employment -- Performance appraisals -- Performance-related discipline -- Misconduct: adverse actions and discipline -- Discrimination: what it is and how to prove it -- Discrimination: the complaint process -- Whistleblowing and prohibited personnel practices -- Unions and collective bargaining -- Reductions-in-force and furloughs -- Security clearances and "sensitive" positions -- Overtime and other special pay -- Classification appeals -- Promotions and within-grade increases -- Leave issues -- Workers' compensation -- Federal employees health benefits program -- Unemployment compensation -- Retirement -- Veterans' rights -- Ethics in government -- Constitutional rights -- Information and privacy -- The Hatch Act: prohibited political activities -- Personal liability -- Postal service employee rights -- Congressional and presidential employees' rights -- Waivers of overpayment and financial claims against the government -- Miscellaneous -- Special categories -- Internet research -- How to find a lawyer -- Resolving disputes through settlement -- How to prepare for an administrative hearing.