Coalition Forms Federal Workers Legal Defense Network

A group including employee unions and civil rights organizations have formed the Federal Workers Legal Defense Network, an initiative designed to provide free legal support and resources to federal employees affected by recent layoffs.

The coalition, which includes the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the Partnership for Public Service, recently launched a website that outlines the steps that federal workers can take to access these resources. For example:

• Workers are directed to enter basic information about themselves and their federal jobs. Names or contact information will not be shared for anything unrelated to the Federal Workers Legal Defense Network, according to the coalition. Once an individual submits their information, they automatically receive an email with information and access to written guides and resources.
• When an attorney is available, the Federal Workers Legal Defense Network will send an email with the attorney’s contact information, in order to schedule a 15-to-20-minute consultation.
• During this conversation, the attorney will determine if the Legal Defense Network can be of help and advise on next steps. Depending on a worker’s specific circumstances and attorney availability, the employee might be eligible for an additional free consultation lasting up to one hour.
• After the free consultation, the individual is not required to accept any further services from the Legal Defense Network. If the individual and the attorney choose to work together further, they will discuss terms directly Any additional services they provide may be free, at reduced cost or at their normal billing rate.

“Attacks on federal workers are attacks on all workers and on the essential services that our communities rely on daily,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, in a statement.

“Getting these workers the justice they deserve in the face of this onslaught will take all of us. I’m so proud to announce the formation of Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network with our partners today. This new network is a critical tool empowering federal workers to fight back. When we come together, we are stronger than any of us alone.”