When federal employees believe they have been unfairly treated by their agency, they can appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

The MSPB is an independent quasi-judicial agency established to protect the merit system principles and promote an effective federal workforce free from prohibited personnel practices. The MSPB reviews appeals from federal employees who face negative personnel actions like removals, suspensions, or demotions, empowering employees or applicants who are negatively affected by a final MSPB decision to seek judicial review.

The MSPB and Whistleblowing

The MSPB plays a crucial role in protecting federal employees who engage in whistleblowing.

When a federal employee discloses information about wrongdoing within their agency, such as fraud, waste, or abuse, they are engaging in protected activity. If these employees face retaliation for their disclosures, they can appeal to the MSPB.

The MSPB examines allegations of retaliation against employees who have disclosed wrongdoing. If the MSPB determines that retaliation occurred, it can order corrective actions, such as reinstatement, back pay, and attorney’s fees. By addressing whistleblower retaliation cases, the MSPB helps to maintain a fair and impartial federal workforce.