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Season 6, Episode 29

Understanding Federal Employee Rights with Tom Spiggle

Spiggle Law Gray

 

Guest Name:


Tom Spiggle

Guest Website:


The Spiggle Law Firm 

Guest Social Media:


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Tom Spiggle, an attorney and founder of The Spiggle Law Firm, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the legality of the Department of Government Efficiency, the implications of a controversial federal employee buyout offer and the differences in protections for union versus non-union federal workers.

The Department of Government Efficiency, created by the current administration to provide guidance on federal regulations, expenditures and restructuring agencies from outside of Government, has sparked legal debates regarding its legitimacy. Spiggle highlighted ongoing lawsuits challenging the department's authority, suggesting it may be an improper use of executive power. The department's actions, such as unauthorized data access and unapproved funding promises, have also raised concerns about adherence to legal protocols.

Recently, a voluntary resignation offer was extended to federal employees, promising a continuance of pay and benefits through September. However, Spiggle warned that the agreement lacks enforceable rights for employees, leaving them vulnerable to potential changes in terms. He added that the offer’s legality is in question, as the funding has not been approved by Congress, making it a risky option for employees considering acceptance.

Finally, Spiggle discussed how union membership provides federal employees additional protections. He emphasized the strength in numbers that unions offer, granting members rights beyond those available to non-union employees. He said this distinction is crucial, especially in the current climate where federal workers face uncertainty and potential job reductions.

Listen to the full episode above to hear more from Spiggle.


America’s Work Force is the only daily labor podcast in the US and has been on the air since 1993, supplying listeners with useful, relevant input into their daily lives through fact-finding features, in-depth interviews, informative news segments and practical consumer reports. America’s Work Force is committed to providing an accessible venue in which America's workers and their families can hear discussion on important, relevant topics such as employment, healthcare, legislative action, labor-management relations, corporate practices, finances, local and national politics, consumer reports and labor issues.

America’s Work Force Union Podcast is brought to you in part by our sponsors: AFL-CIO, American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of Musicians Local 4, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes-IBT, Boyd Watterson, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Communication Workers of America, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 50, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6, Ironworkers Great Lakes District Council, Melwood, The Labor Citizen newspaper, Laborers International Union of North America, The National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, North Coast Area Labor Federation, Ohio Federation of Teachers, United Labor Agency, United Steelworkers.

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