This week marks a major victory for federal employees and the fight for fairness in the workplace. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that federal employees are not required to file unfair labor practice (ULP) charges before bringing discrimination claims against their unions in federal court. Instead, workers can rely on statutory remedies under laws like Title VII and the ADA, which provide independent paths to justice.

Why this matters:
For too long, federal employees faced administrative hurdles that could block their access to the courts. This ruling ensures that workers who experience discrimination from their unions are no longer locked out of justice simply because other administrative options exist.

AFFT’s role:
We’re proud that the court cited an April 2023 report by AFFT Senior Fellow David Osborne, describing it as “all but dispositive.” This recognition underscores the impact that our research and advocacy are having at the highest levels of federal employment law.

We want to hear from you:
If you or someone you know has had a grievance that went unresolved, or if you felt shut out of justice, share your story with us. Your experiences shine a light on the real challenges federal employees face and help ensure workers’ voices are heard.

Together, we are advancing fairness, accountability, and real protections for federal employees – one legal victory at a time.