Fired During Probation? Why Federal Employees Have Few Legal Options

In this FedSmith video, we delve into the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) and explore why a large federal national union supported its passage in the 1970s. The video discussion addresses the changes sought by the CSRA. Also, while the CSRA brought significant changes to federal employment practices, it also imposed limitations on appeal rights for probationary employees. We’ll explain how probationary employees face challenges in appealing terminations and why seeking redress in Federal court is often not an initial option under the CSRA for federal employees or for federal employee unions. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on federal labor law! Related Articles Appeals After Firing Probationary Employees: What Are Their Rights? https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/02/21/fired-probationary-employees-appeal-rights/ Judge Allows Layoffs of Federal Employees to Proceed https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/02/20/judge-allows-layoffs-of-federal-employees-to-proceed/ Related Video https://youtu.be/HJtToA5lHss 0:00 Introduction 1:50 History of CSRA 2:38 Unfair? 3:13 Purpose of the CSRA 5:23 Failings of CSRA