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Monday, October 5, 2026

What Federal Employees Should Know When Responding to Agency Disciplinary Actions - FEDweek

By: Mathew Tully, Esq., for Tully Rinckey PLLC

As one of the largest employers in the United States, the federal government’s employment practices and policies differ from those of the private sector. One of those differences can be found in the method used to dismiss or fire a federal employee. It goes without saying that understanding this procedure is crucial for federal employees who might find themselves in a scenario where they are subject to agency-proposed disciplinary action.

The following provides a broad overview for employees responding to disciplinary action from their agency, as well as some best practices for responding to an agency in similar instances. Even though there are many more specific and nuanced aspects to this procedure, it is best to consult with a federal employment law expert if you are in a similar situation because each case is unique and depends on the particulars of the individual’s background.

Types of Disciplinary Action
There are many different types of disciplinary actions that can be taken against federal employees, and which action is taken can depend on a variety of different factors, including the reasoning for the proposed discipline, the nature of the misconduct or performance issue, and your disciplinary history, amongst others. The following are some examples of potential disciplinary actions:

· Letter of Reprimand: A letter of notice regarding misconduct or poor performance that remains in your personnel file.

· Suspension:...



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