Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

We’re back!  Once again, FELTG’s experienced and widely respected instructors come together for the Federal Workplace 2021: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends virtual training event. In this event we focus on making sure you’re prepared to effectively manage the Federal employment challenges that are new, complicated, and critical to your and your agency’s success. Let FELTG lead you into the new fiscal year the right way.

The last year was, to continue the overuse of the word, unprecedented. A pandemic. Remote work. Political chaos. Targeted harassment. A new administration. During the course of this weeklong training, FELTG instructors will share the best practices and lessons learned over the previous fiscal year, and provide the guidance and expertise you’ll need to thrive in the upcoming year.

We know you have plenty of training options – both onsite and virtual – to choose from this time of year. This program has several advantages. Although not a conference, it provides an opportunity for conference-like training for those who can’t get travel approval, or for those not quite ready to squish into packed rooms. And unlike other virtual events where you have to register for the full agenda, this training event allows attendees to register for only the sessions they prefer to attend. In addition, FELTG is an SBA-certified Woman Owned Small Business, allowing your agency to help achieve its small business set aside fiscal targets. And if all that wasn’t enough, Federal Workplace 2021: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends is completely live, and attendees have the opportunities to ask questions and engage in polls and other activities. Beware of “virtual” conferences that aren’t live.

No matter your job title, this event has something for you. Attendees will receive clear strategies and straight-forward guidance on holding employees accountable on emerging performance and conduct issues, deftly handling the most complex challenges, and identifying and handling those pesky issues that are new — or will be soon enough.

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; Federal supervisors and managers; emerging leaders; security officers; union representatives.

Download Individual Registration Form

Monday, September 27, 2021

Pre-session

1 – 4:30 pm EDT

EEO Challenges, COVID-19, and a Return to Workplace Normalcy

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 3 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and/or 3 CLE credits)

President Biden’s Executive Order requires all Federal employees to be vaccinated with no option for regular coronavirus testing to opt out of the mandate. What does this mean for employees who refuse to get vaccinated? Are there any religious exemptions that would allow employees to continue to work without vaccination? What about employees who cannot get vaccinated due to a disability – can agencies accommodate them?

• If a supervisor treats an employee like she has COVID-19, could that employee have a “regarded as” claim under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act?
• How would you handle an employee’s claim that he’s being harassed because he is at high risk for COVID-19, or has recovered from the virus?
• Does asking the pre-vaccination screening questions create a violation of Title II of the Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act?

Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about the unique problems you’re facing during these unprecedented times.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to determine:

• Whether an employee with COVID-19 or pre-existing respiratory sensitivities should receive a reasonable accommodation.
• How pregnant women fit into the framework of EEO and COVID-19.

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Spotlight on Accountability

Session 1

9:30 – 10:45 am EDT

You Want Accountability? Avoid These Too-Common Mistakes

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Almost 60 percent of Federal employees think their supervisors do not do enough to hold unacceptable performers accountable. Meanwhile, myths about the inability to discipline employees for misconduct continue to fester. There is one action you can take to boost your agency’s FEVS scores, increase morale, and improve productivity, and it’s this: Do a better job holding employees accountable for performance and conduct. The best way to start is by eliminating the most common mistakes that derail your efforts. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will identify these habitual errors, such as using too many suspensions, delaying discipline in favor of unhelpful  letters of caution, committing due process violations, and more.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Avoid due process mistakes in appealable actions.
• Properly document an employee’s poor performance before a PIP.
• Draft effective charges that hold up to third-party scrutiny.

Session 2

11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

Got Nexus? Accountability for Off-duty Conduct

Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

The borderline between on-duty and off-duty has become blurred as of late, with a majority of employees working from home and the omnipresence of social media. Yet, one thing has remained clear and constant: If you’re going to discipline someone for what they do on their own time, you need to show a nexus between the employee’s actions and their Federal job. FELTG Instructor Robert Woods will help you untangle your most challenging off-duty misconduct scenarios and illustrate the situations where the conduct is so egregious as to create a rebuttable presumption of nexus.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Demonstrate nexus between the off-duty conduct and the efficiency of the service.
• Understand how Douglas Factor Eight: Notoriety and Agency Reputation can create nexus.
• Select an effective and defensible penalty for off-duty conduct.

Session 3

1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT

Medical Certification Requirements for Sick Leave and FMLA

Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Challenging situations involving sick leave and FMLA are, unfortunately, neither rare nor easy to solve. For example: An employee brings in a medical statement in support of her FMLA request. The statement only says that the employee is “unable to work.” Here’s another one: An employee refuses to bring medical documentation to support three weeks of absence to care for a family member who has a serious health condition. Or what about the employee who claims, for the first time during an MSPB appeal, that she was not AWOL and should have been entitled to sick leave. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will provide the solutions to these scenarios, explain how MSPB decisions inform discussions about requirements for medical certification, share OPM’s requirements for revoking retroactive FMLA, and more.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Recognize the different medical certification requirements for sick leave and for FMLA.
• Implement clear policies on deadlines for submitting medical certification.
• Explain the requirement for granting provisional leave under the FMLA.

Session 4

3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT

Tools for Accountability: Position Descriptions, Performance Standards, and Medical Requirements

Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

There is a lot of confusion about where the authority comes from to hold employees accountable for many things related to their positions, whether it’s medical requirements to hold licenses and certifications, work rules for proper use of credit cards and completing mandatory training, or successful performance of the key functions of their jobs. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will explain how to maximize the effectiveness of the various tools management can employ to establish requirements and then deal with situations when employees fail to meet those requirements.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Ensure effective use of well-crafted position descriptions.
• Implement conduct standards that cover the full gamut of expectations that employees must meet.
• Develop effective and workable performance plans to accurately capture how well employees perform.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Spotlight on Challenges

Session 5

9:30 – 10:45 am EDT

Re-boarding: Strategies to Support a Successful Return to the Office

Presented by Anthony Marchese, PhD, Author/Coach/Consultant, FELTG Instructor

Most Federal employees are still working remotely, though many of them may soon make a return to the physical workplace. The remote work experience of the last 18 months has provided us with many lessons learned, research findings, and best practices to help supervisors seize the opportunity to nurture a workforce that is stronger and more resilient than ever before. During this session, FELTG Instructor Anthony Marchese, PhD, will share practical strategies for supervisors and advisers to help your employees return to the office smarter, stronger, and more satisfied with work.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Reset expectations and accountability in the post-pandemic workplace.
• Improve communication and collaboration among hybrid teams.
• Create a culture of candor and connection.

Session 6

11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

Resolving Conflicts Before They Lead to Litigation

Presented by Marcus Hill, Principal/Hill Management Consultancy (HMC) LLC, FELTG Instructor

As a Federal supervisor, it’s not a matter of if you will ever experience conflict within the workplace, but when. While workforce diversity is without a doubt an organizational strength, it can also make resolving conflict more difficult due to varying perspectives, orientations, and backgrounds. Conflict that is properly managed can be very beneficial to organizational performance and mission effectiveness. Marcus L. Hill, a recently retired Federal senior executive, will discuss common causes that create workplace conflicts, as well as strategies and practices supervisors can employ to resolve conflict before it leads to workplace chaos, organizational ineffectiveness, and costly litigation.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the common types of conflicts that exists within organizations.
• Identify conflict management styles, strategies and tools, and when to apply them.
• Create an organizational culture that builds staff trust through inclusivity, promotes workplace harmony, and inspires innovative problem-solving to resolve conflict.

Session 7

1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT

Identifying and Eliminating Microaggressions in the Workplace

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

FELTG Instructor Deborah J. Hopkins, attorney at law, will explain what microaggressions look like in their various forms — including microinsults, microassaults, and microinvalidations. If those words are all new to you, you’re not alone – but it’s time to get up to speed. Ms. Droste will share an implicit bias test, explain its impact, and provide examples where bias can lead to EEO and non-EEO discrimination and harassment.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Determine when bias or microaggression leads to the level of discrimination.
• Identify acts of microaggression and acts influenced by implicit bias.
• Respond appropriately and effectively when you see a microaggression in the workplace.

Session 8

3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT

The Reasonable Accommodation Mistakes Agencies Make

Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

Oftentimes, the best way to learn is by making mistakes. But not when it comes to reasonable accommodation law. Instead, learn from the blunders that other agencies have already made to prepare your agency to do things the right way. Bob Woods will share those mistakes, covering everything from the interactive process to telework to undue hardship, to raise awareness of how to avoid them.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Determine when to offer an accommodation different from the one requested.
• Recognize when leave would be considered an appropriate accommodation.
• Identify the agency defenses that have been successful when denying a reasonable accommodation request.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Spotlight on Trends

Session 9

9:30 – 10:45 am EDT

The Changing Nature of Hostile Work Environment Claims

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

Unfortunately, the Federal workplace is not immune to reprehensible harassing behavior. As the pandemic raged and employees remained home, many thought that hostile work environment incidents would wane, yet the targets of hostile work environment merely expanded and changed. More harassment was aimed at Asian American and Pacific Islanders and LGBTQ employees, and harassment took more virtual forms including email and social media. Katherine Atkinson will discuss in clear terms the law on hostile work environment claims, amid the changing nature of the harassing behavior.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Determine when an agency could be held liable for hostile work environment.
• Raise awareness to prevent harassment from taking place.
• Take prompt and effective corrective action when harassment is alleged.

Session 10

11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

High Times and Misdemeanors: Weed and the Workplace

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Recreational marijuana is legal in almost a dozen states and the District of Columbia, and its use for medical purposes is now legal in 30-plus states. What does that mean for Federal workers in those locations? Could their careers still go up in smoke for a “legal” activity? Are you required to accommodate an employee’s medically certified marijuana usage? What should you do if the Federal employee is married to someone who legally grows marijuana? Should you overlook an employee’s suspected marijuana usage because it makes him more pleasant to work with? FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will review the laws that apply to Federal employees and share the most effective approach to managing and/or disciplining employees when their drug usage seeps into the workplace.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Craft the right charge when disciplining an employee for marijuana usage.
• Determine when it’s appropriate to require an employee to take a drug test.
• Handle an employee who has lied about previous marijuana usage.

Session 11

1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT

Preparing for the Surge in Accommodation Requests for Telework

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

By most accounts, the great telework experiment worked. And as employees are directed to return to the physical workplace, it’s widely expected that requests for telework as a reasonable accommodation for disability (and, perhaps, for religious reasons) will increase significantly. Are you prepared for these requests? Do you have a proper procedure in place? What do you need to know about the interactive process? Ann Boehm discusses it all.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn:

• How to determine whether telework would be an effective accommodation.
• When an agency can legally deny telework as an accommodation.
• What the EEOC says about accommodating an employee’s commute.

Session 12

3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT

Case Law Update, Part I: MSPB, EEOC, and Fed Circuit

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

In Federal employment law, things can change quickly. FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm will review the most recent and relevant cases, regulations, studies and reports from OPM, the EEOC, the courts, OSC, and (hopefully) the MSPB. Attendees will leave with knowledge of recent developments and with an in-depth analysis of the current employment law climate and its impact on the Federal workplace.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn:

• How a few recent Federal Circuit decisions have caused a major change at the MSPB in the absence of a quorum.
• The most updated guidance on Whistleblower protections.
• Recent trends in EEOC case law.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Spotlight on Labor Relations

Session 13

9:30 – 10:45 am EDT

Case Law Update, Part II: FLRA and FSIP

Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/FSIP, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Over the past year-and-a-half, the Federal Labor Relations Authority has released several precedent-altering decisions. The Federal Service Impasses Panel has also issued several noteworthy decisions, but a new panel is on its way. Join FELTG Instructor Joseph Schimansky, the former Executive Director of the Federal Service Impasses Panel, as he reviews the cases and explains what it all means for Federal counsel, HR professionals, Labor Relations practitioners, and union representatives.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn:

• Which Trump FLRA decisions are most likely to be reversed by the Biden FLRA.
• How the Biden FSIP will operate differently from the practices adopted by the Trump FSIP.
• The latest updates on the appointment of new FLRA and FSIP Members by the Biden Administration.

Session 14

11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

Permissive Bargaining

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Permissive bargaining isn’t really permissive now, thanks to Executive Order 14003.  Agencies must bargain over the 5 U.S.C. 7106(b)(1) topics.  But what are the topics that fall under 5 U.S.C. 7106(b)(1)? This course will help you understand the complicated world of negotiability, and it will also help agencies realize that bargaining over these topics isn’t the end of the world.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn:

• Determine best practices in dealing with negotiability determinations in light of EO 14003.
• Develop effective negotiation strategies.
• Implement communication strategies to ensure mission is not adversely impacted by labor negotiations.

Session 15

1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT

Requests for Information

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Just about any federal labor relations professional has dealt with a union request for information, but they may not have handled it correctly.  This class will help anyone dealing with a union’s request for information ensure that the agency provides information that it owes the union, but also ensure that the unions are establishing a particularized need.  Engaging in the proper interactive process will help agencies avoid unfair labor practice complaints while providing only information that is legally required.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the rights and obligations of both agencies and unions regarding information requests.
• Apply the “particularized need” standard.
• Reply when the union fails to meet the “particularized need” standard.

Pricing

• Early bird pricing for individual sessions start at $150. Daily and full event All Access discounts available.
• Early Bird discounts available until September 3.
• See registration form for full pricing details.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • This program is submitted for CLE credits to, and we anticipate approval by, the State Bar of Virginia. Individual CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for All Access registration options only. Group discounts are available through September 3.

Download Registration Form

Event Description

Investigating harassment in your Federal agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. Ensuring that your investigation is legally compliant and protects employees, while helping the agency minimize liability, is a taxing task. It’s even more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic when most investigations must be done virtually.

Together, these three instructor-led live training sessions will provide a solid basis for a successful and effective approach to conducting legally-sufficient harassment investigations that stand up upon third-party review. Peruse MSPB and EEOC cases and you’ll find that poorly conducted investigations are far more common than they should be, and the cost of these investigations to agencies are bigger than you’d expect.

Understand the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment. Learn the best techniques to conduct an investigation – whether onsite or virtually. Write a report that covers all the crucial information. And much more.

This open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute program Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Plus, this program fulfills the requirements for 8-hour annual EEO investigator refresher training.

You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for all three. This program runs from 12:30 – 4:00 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern. Participants will receive program materials via email on Monday, October 5.

Download Registration Form

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: An effective harassment investigation begins with a solid foundation of misconduct law in the federal workplace. Attorney and FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will explain the principles that underpin a successful investigation of federal employee misconduct, whether it’s on-duty or off-duty. Attendees will learn the five elements of discipline and understand how they relate to the misconduct investigation process. Plus, they’ll learn about evidence standards and burdens of proof in misconduct cases, how Douglas factors play in to an investigation, the importance of nexus, what to do when a witness won’t cooperate, and much more.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the relationship between the foundations of federal accountability and misconduct investigations.
• Identify and collect relevant penalty evidence during the investigation.
• Recognize the mistakes that derail effective misconduct and harassment investigations.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: What is the scope of the investigation? Who should you interview? What documents are you going to need? Preparing your investigative plan is a critical step in developing a legally sufficient investigation. Attorney Katherine Atkinson will explain the proper role of the investigator and how you can avoid the pitfalls of an insufficient investigation with the proper preparation and knowledge. Plus, she’ll answer important questions about representation: Does the witness have the right to a representative? Does the union have a right to attend the interview – even if the witness doesn’t want the union there? What rights does agency management have in the process?

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the impact that has on the investigations’ legal sufficiency.
• Identify witness rights and management rights.
• Recognize the three basic characteristics of evidence in a harassment investigation.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 2:00 – 2:30)

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Attorney Katherine Atkinson will share legal principles and proven guidance to navigate this most critical and challenging part of harassment investigations: conducting the interviews and gathering relevant evidence. Attendees will leave the session with techniques for questioning, tools for reading body language, suggestions on how to handle difficult personality types, and tips for writing the fact-finding report (FFR) and report of investigation (ROI). Ms. Atkinson will also share how technology is changing the investigation process, including a very timely discussion of conducting virtual interviews.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the similarities and differences in conducting onsite and virtual interviews.
• Apply logic and judgment to evaluate conflicting statements.
• Write a fulsome report on the findings from the harassment investigation.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by Sept 20): One Session = $340  |  Two Sessions = $650  |  Full Event = $900
• Standard Tuition (register Sept 21 – Oct 7): One Session = $390  |  Two Sessions = $695  |  Full Event = $950
• Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through Sept 20. Contact FELTG.
• REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are only available through September 20.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

COVID-19 Note: Due to continued travel and gathering restrictions and a concern for our customers’ health and safety, this class will be held virtually. If circumstances change and FELTG decides to hold this class in person in Washington, DC, FELTG will give priority transfers to individuals registered for the virtual training, who wish to attend in person. 

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

With one Executive Order, President Joseph R. Biden created a dramatic shift in the world of federal labor relations, rescinding numerous Trump Executive Orders, including those regarding official time, bargaining topics, negotiation timeframes, and union responsibilities to pay for things they never had to pay for before. Are you ready for this 180-degree change in federal labor relations?

Now, more than ever, you need FELTG’s FLRA Law Week. Led by two instructors with a combined total of nearly 40 years experience working at the FLRA, this training will bring you up to speed on where the current law stands, and share best practices on how to effectively navigate it in your day-to-day work, whether you’re a labor attorney, labor relations specialist or union representative.

FLRA Law Week provides attendees with a firm foundation of the historical perspective and precedence of FLRA decisions, as well as a strategy for taking advantage of any new approaches that are coming out of an ever-evolving FLRA. And this includes the latest guidance based on the FLRA’s recent precedent-breaking decisions have on collective bargaining.

There’s no other place where you can get in-depth guidance on hot-button issues, such as permissive bargaining, official time, and negotiations, to guide you through this dynamic time. So join us for this class October 18-22, where the entire world of Federal labor relations will be discussed.

The program runs 9:00 am – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a break from 12:00-1:00.

Instructors

Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Daily Agenda

Monday, October 18

Basic Management and Employee Rights: An overview of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute; the current status of Executive Orders 13836 and 13837; fundamental employee, union, and management rights; bargaining unit definition; the union organizer’s role; information requests; official time.

Tuesday, October 19

Labor Relations Meetings and Bargaining: More on official time; formal discussions; union representative rights; the collective bargaining process; the three categories of bargaining: mandatory, permissive, and prohibited; introduction to negotiability.

Wednesday, October 20

Unfair Labor Practices and Negotiability: Employee rights vs. Management rights; the anatomy of an Unfair Labor Practice; an overview of the Federal Services Impasse Panel; negotiability appeals.

Thursday, October 21

The Psychology of Bargaining, Plus Grievances and Pandemic-Related Issues: Selecting a bargaining strategy; interest based bargaining as compared to hard ball bargaining; grievances; exceptions to arbitration awards; a new Administration

Friday, October 22

Understanding the FSIP and Arbitration: Panel members, FSIP procedures, recent FSIP developments, the arbitration process overview; binding the arbitrator; how federal government arbitration is different from private sector arbitration and appeals; educating the arbitrator.

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by October 1):

• 5 days = $2375
• 4 days = $1995
• 3 days = $1575
• 2 days = $1100
• 1 day = $575

Standard Tuition (register October 2-22):

• 5 days = $2475
• 4 days = $2095
• 3 days = $1675
• 2 days = $1200
• 1 day = $675

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by October 1 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after October 1 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person. No split registrations.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through October 1.

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

A politicized multi-year pandemic, a change in Administration, and nationwide trends, such as the Great Resignation, have set the Federal workplace reeling with seemingly new and daunting employment-related challenges, along with several that won’t go away. FELTG’s four-day training event Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law returns for a third straight year, poised to provide you with the strategies and challenges to meet these unique times.

Three years ago, who would have thought that:

• Federal agencies would be devising detailed plans to create hybrid workplaces?
• The FLRA, under a Democratic Administration, would continue to issue decisions rankling unions?
• The MSPB would go without a quorum for nearly 1,900 days?
• Diversity and inclusion efforts would go from persona non grata to major priority with the stroke of a pen?
• A Federal Circuit would suddenly end 40 years of MSPB precedent on PIPs, only to have OPM release conflicting guidance months later?
• EEO discrimination issues would continue to flourish despite a majority of employees working from home?

The FELTG Virtual Training Institute’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law program offers 11 unique and timely sessions to help you navigating these unsettling times. Hold remote and on-site employees equally accountable for performance and conduct. Stay up to date on changing legal issues involving performance improvement, leave, labor relations and more. Identify and prepare your agency for new EEO trends. Learn effective strategies for managing in a hybrid workplace and negotiating collective bargaining agreements.

We’ve developed these sessions to fit into your busy workdays. The training sessions are 75 minutes long, and you can register for all or for any of them individually. Or you can register for a whole day. Or all four days. Earn CLE credits and EEO refresher training credits.

The training is presented LIVE by FELTG’s experienced and respected instructors, who will answer your questions, so you get answers in real time.

Download Individual Registration Form

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

The New Hybrid Workplace

Session 1

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

Holding Employees Accountable Regardless of Their Work Location

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Agencies face many challenges and unanswered questions about performance and conduct as they attempt to bring some workers back to the physical workspace. How do you hold workers accountable for performance and conduct when some are in the office and others are remote? How do you provide a performance demonstration period for an employee who is teleworking? As always, FELTG has the answers when it comes to accountability. Attendees will leave with a simple and effective approach to accountability, regardless of where the employee is working. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 2

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

What to Do When Harassment Occurs Outside the Building

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: Hostile environment harassment can be alleged based not only on sex, but any protected category, such as race, national origin, religion, disability, and more. With the pandemic-fueled increase in telework and virtual meetings, and continued vitriol on social media, hostile environment harassment does not require that people be in the same location. Attendees will learn how to identify hostile work environment scenarios, discuss agency and supervisory liability, and develop successful prevention techniques. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Session 3

3:00 – 4:15 pm ET 

The New World of Work: Understanding Expectations, Aspirations, and Opportunities

Presented by Anthony Marchese, PhD., Consultant/Author/Trainer, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: The Pandemic of 2020-2022 thrust leaders into an unusual, unsettling territory where many are unequipped to rapidly respond to the systematic shift in employee expectations. Employees want increased autonomy and a voice in the decision-making process. With increased scrutiny of the employee value proposition (EVP), employees are eagerly anticipating how things will look in the next 6-12 months. Attendees will learn about embedded and emerging trends happening across the Federal landscape and leave with relevant best practices to navigate this landscape as a supervisor.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The Ever-Changing Law

Session 4

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

Santos, OPM and Performance Accountability: What Gives?

Presented by Robert Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: Last year, the Federal Circuit in Santos v. NASA undid more than 40 years of case precedent, requiring agencies to have substantial evidence of poor performance before they can place an employee on a PIP. Yet, OPM’s proposed regulations, while not yet final, seem to indicate that employees must first be notified and given an opportunity to improve. Don’t let these seemingly contradictory approaches keep you from taking appropriate action. Attendees will leave this session with clear guidance and an effective approach for placing an employee on notice about unacceptable performance and explaining to the employee what’s required next. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 5

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

What’s New in Leave 2022?

Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

Course description: Leave is an ever-changing topic and 2022 is no exception.  The passage of the NDAA for FY 2022 created a new type of leave: Parental Bereavement Leave will allow for two weeks of paid time off in the event of death of a son or daughter.  The devil, of course, is in the details.  Which employees are covered?  How is son or daughter defined?  As if that wasn’t enough, the NDAA for FY 2021 made a change to the type of service that is qualifying to become FMLA eligible, and the regulations implementing the Paid Parental Leave Act issued in 2020 made some changes to the basic FMLA entitlement.  The session will cover these changes, as well as leave in COVID-related situations. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 6

3:00 – 4:15 pm ET

Federal Employment Law Update: Significant Cases and Developments

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: The MSPB is back and delivering decisions, the FLRA and EEOC continue to issue important decisions, the Federal Circuit has been hopping, and OPM regularly updates its guidance. A District Court in Texas recently put a hold on major Federal workplace mandates, and a Federal Appeals court has recently struck down FLRA policy decisions. It’s a lot to keep up with. That’s why you need to join FELTG for this fast-paced review of the most surprising, significant, and groundbreaking developments in Federal employment law. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Post-COVID EEO Challenges

Session 7

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

The Widening Net of Reprisal Discrimination

Presented by Deborah Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course description: Reprisal is asserted in almost half of all EEO complaints, and it’s the most common discrimination finding in Federal sector cases. With increasing political and societal rifts creating workplace conflicts, ongoing questions about employee vaccination and exemption status, and the soon-to-be imminent return of many Federal employees to the physical workplace, EEO challenges such as reprisal are expected to grow even more. Attendees will learn the various forms of EEO reprisal and receive important guidance on how to limit it from happening at your agency. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.   1.25

Session 8

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation When Employees Return to the Workplace

Presented by Ricky Rowe, Former National EEO Manager/Veterans Administration

Course description: By most accounts, telework was an enormous success for Federal agencies over the past two years. As you start the process of returning most employees back to the physical workplace, it’s likely that you’re going to receive a sudden increase in requests for telework, likely within the framework of reasonable accommodation. OPM guidance last summer anticipated as much. Attend this session to best prepare yourself for this onslaught of requests and give you and your staff a proper guide on how to determine whether telework is an effective reasonable accommodation, and what alternative accommodations might be available as well. 1.25

Session 9

3:00 – 4:15 pm ET

When Medical Issues Cause Performance and Misconduct Problems

Presented by Deborah Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course description: Few situations draw as much angst among supervisors as when they have an employee with a physical or mental impairment who is struggling to do the job and/or failing to meet conduct standards. With the rise in mental health diagnoses, substance abuse disorders and the physical challenges that come with an aging workforce, Federal supervisors can expect more of these gut-wrenching situations. If the employee already has a reasonable accommodation, can you put him on a PIP or must you offer a new reasonable accommodation first? Should disability be a mitigating factor in discipline? How do you process removals for medical inability to perform? Attendees will learn the answers to these questions and much more.Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Friday April 29, 2022

Labor Relations Spotlight

Session 10

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

Representation Decisions Under FLRA

Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/FSIP, FELTG Instructor

Course description: The FLRA, by a 2-1 margin, recently rejected requests to throw out its 2020 decision that stripped immigration judges of their collective bargaining rights. This rejection came just a month after the Biden Administration reversed a Trump-era policy and officially recognized the union. In this session, Mr. Schimansky will examine Representation decisions under the current FLRA and what they mean for agencies and unions in the short and long term. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 11

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

What I Learned as a Chief Management Negotiator

Marcus Hill, Principal/Hill Management Consultancy, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Have you been appointed chief management negotiator charged with representing the agency during collective bargaining with the union? Were you a little apprehensive or challenged how to start and ultimate accomplish this critical assignment? Whether you are a seasoned labor relations professional or a manager possessing little to no collective bargaining experience, this session is for you. During his distinguished Federal career, Mr. Hill served as Chief Management Negotiator on several occasions, achieving effective collective bargaining agreements for industrial and professional environments. Mr. Hill will share experiences, and successful strategies that will result in win-win, labor-management agreements.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by April 11):
  • One Session = $150
  • One Day (Three Sessions) = $395
  • Labor Relations Day = $275
  • April 26-28 All Access  = $1175
  • April 26-29 All Access with Labor Relations = $1450
• Standard Tuition (register April 12-29)
  • One Session = $175
  • One Day (Three Sessions) = $495
  • Labor Relations Day = $325
  • April 26-28 All Access = $1475
  • April 26-29 All Access with Labor Relations = $1795
• Rates per registrant and may not be used for groups under any circumstances. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• How do I claim CLE or EEO refresher credits?
  • This program has been submitted (and we anticipate this program will be approved) for Virginia CLE credits. Members of other state bars must submit for CLE credit on their own, and may use the materials provided by FELTG in submissions. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended, and will designate how many EEO refresher hours were earned.
• Can I get HRCI credits for attending this class?
  • Each session is approved for 1.25 hours of HRCI general recertification credit. The HRCI course numbers will be available upon the conclusion of the training.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through April 11.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

Investigating harassment in your Federal agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. Ensuring that your investigation is legally compliant and protects employees, while helping the agency minimize liability, is a taxing task. It’s even more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic when most investigations must be done virtually.

Together, these three instructor-led live training sessions will provide a solid basis for a successful and effective approach to conducting legally-sufficient harassment investigations that stand up upon third-party review. Peruse MSPB and EEOC cases and you’ll find that poorly conducted investigations are far more common than they should be, and the cost of these investigations to agencies are bigger than you’d expect.

Understand the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment. Learn the best techniques to conduct an investigation – whether onsite or virtually. Write a report that covers all the crucial information. And much more.

This open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute program Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Plus, this program fulfills the requirements for 8-hour annual EEO investigator refresher training.

You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for all three. This program runs from 12:30 – 4:00 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern.

Download Individual Registration Form

Tuesday, May 3

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: An effective harassment investigation begins with a solid foundation of misconduct law in the federal workplace. Attorney and FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will explain the principles that underpin a successful investigation of federal employee misconduct, whether it’s on-duty or off-duty. Attendees will learn the five elements of discipline and understand how they relate to the misconduct investigation process. Plus, they’ll learn about evidence standards and burdens of proof in misconduct cases, how Douglas factors play in to an investigation, the importance of nexus, what to do when a witness won’t cooperate, and much more.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the relationship between the foundations of federal accountability and misconduct investigations.
• Identify and collect relevant penalty evidence during the investigation.
• Recognize the mistakes that derail effective misconduct and harassment investigations.

Wednesday, May 4

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: What is the scope of the investigation? Who should you interview? What documents are you going to need? Preparing your investigative plan is a critical step in developing a legally sufficient investigation. Attorney Katherine Atkinson will explain the proper role of the investigator and how you can avoid the pitfalls of an insufficient investigation with the proper preparation and knowledge. Plus, she’ll answer important questions about representation: Does the witness have the right to a representative? Does the union have a right to attend the interview – even if the witness doesn’t want the union there? What rights does agency management have in the process?

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the impact that has on the investigations’ legal sufficiency.
• Identify witness rights and management rights.
• Recognize the three basic characteristics of evidence in a harassment investigation.

Thursday, May 5

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Attorney Katherine Atkinson will share legal principles and proven guidance to navigate this most critical and challenging part of harassment investigations: conducting the interviews and gathering relevant evidence. Attendees will leave the session with techniques for questioning, tools for reading body language, suggestions on how to handle difficult personality types, and tips for writing the fact-finding report (FFR) and report of investigation (ROI). Ms. Atkinson will also share how technology is changing the investigation process, including a very timely discussion of conducting virtual interviews.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the similarities and differences in conducting onsite and virtual interviews.
• Apply logic and judgment to evaluate conflicting statements.
• Write a fulsome report on the findings from the harassment investigation.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by April 18): One Session = $340  |  Two Sessions = $650  |  Full Event = $900
• Standard Tuition (register April 19-May 5): One Session = $390  |  Two Sessions = $695  |  Full Event = $950
• Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through April 18. Contact FELTG.
• REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through April 18.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

The last year has presented a dramatic shift in the world of federal labor relations. President Biden’s Executive Order rescinding numerous Trump Executive Orders, including those regarding official time, bargaining topics, negotiation timeframes, and union responsibilities to pay for things they never had to pay for before. Meanwhile, a Democratic nominee awaits confirmation that would change the political make-up of the Authority, and another Democrat awaits confirmation for the permanent General Counsel position that sat vacant for far too long.

Now, more than ever, you need FELTG’s FLRA Law Week. Led by two instructors with a combined total of nearly 40 years experience working at the FLRA, this training will bring you up to speed on where the current law stands, and share best practices on how to effectively navigate it in your day-to-day work, whether you’re a labor attorney, labor relations specialist or union representative.

FLRA Law Week provides attendees with a firm foundation of the historical perspective and precedence of FLRA decisions, as well as a strategy for taking advantage of any new approaches that are coming out of the FLRA. And this includes the latest guidance based on the FLRA’s recent precedent-breaking decisions have on collective bargaining.

There’s no other place where you can get in-depth guidance on hot-button issues, such as permissive bargaining, official time, and negotiations, to guide you through this dynamic time. So join us for this class May 9-13, where the entire world of Federal labor relations will be discussed.

The program runs 12:00 – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a break from 1:45 – 2:15.

Instructors

Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Daily Agenda

Monday, May 9

Basic Management and Employee Rights: An overview of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute; the current status of Executive Orders 13836 and 13837; fundamental employee, union, and management rights; bargaining unit definition; the union organizer’s role; information requests; official time.

Tuesday, May 10

Labor Relations Meetings and Bargaining: More on official time; formal discussions; union representative rights; the collective bargaining process; the three categories of bargaining: mandatory, permissive, and prohibited; introduction to negotiability.

Wednesday, May 11

Unfair Labor Practices and Negotiability: Employee rights vs. Management rights; the anatomy of an Unfair Labor Practice; an overview of the Federal Services Impasse Panel; negotiability appeals.

Thursday, May 12

The Psychology of Bargaining, Plus Grievances and Pandemic-Related Issues: Selecting a bargaining strategy; interest based bargaining as compared to hard ball bargaining; grievances; exceptions to arbitration awards; a new Administration.

Friday, May 13

Understanding the FSIP and Arbitration: Panel members, FSIP procedures, recent FSIP developments, the arbitration process overview; binding the arbitrator; how federal government arbitration is different from private sector arbitration and appeals; educating the arbitrator.

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by April 22):

• 5 days = $1475
• 4 days = $1195
• 3 days = $910
• 2 days = $630
• 1 day = $345

Standard Tuition (register April 23 or later):

• 5 days = $1550
• 4 days = $1285
• 3 days = $975
• 2 days = $685
• 1 day = $395

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person. No split registrations.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through April 22.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Federal employees have historically enjoyed a wide variety of leave-related benefits. Those benefits have only increased in recent years, most recently in the form of paid parental leave. It’s no wonder that leave, which is not always an entitlement, has become such a complex and seemingly burdensome issue, especially when they intersect with other laws. And then there are also the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you’re an HR professional, employee relations practitioner, EEO specialist, supervisor, or agency counsel, you have undoubtedly faced a leave-related challenge. FELTG’s Absence, Leave Abuse & Medical Issues Week will give you the critical foundation you need to address the most complex areas of federal employment law, including the recent challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our speakers will discuss sick leave, annual leave, leave without pay, absence without leave, and FMLA. Then they will tackle the most current, relevant topics, such as disciplining employees for leave abuse, dealing with medical issues and unacceptable performance, leave and reasonable accommodation, medical documentation, medical exams, and more.

The program runs 12:00 – 4:00 each day, with a break from 1:45-2:15 (all times eastern). Participants will receive program materials via email the week before the training.

Download Individual Registration Form

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; federal supervisors and managers; union representatives.

Instructors

Barbara Haga, Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Robert Woods 

Daily Agenda:

Monday, June 13

Leave Use Overview: Course topics: Emergency Paid Sick Leave, Sick Leave: eligibility, notification requirements, medical certification, dealing with abuse, Additional Leave Entitlements, Administrative Leave.

Tuesday, June 14

FMLA Law and Policy: Course topics: FMLA:  eligibility, notification requirements, definition of serious health condition, medical certification, intermittent use, and Paid Family Leave.

Wednesday, June 15

Leave-Related Discipline & Medical Removals: Course topics: The five elements of discipline; leave-related misconduct; documentation necessary to discipline an employee for leave-related misconduct and leave abuse; AWOL charges; excessive absence removals; medical inability to perform removals.

Thursday, June 16

Reasonable Accommodation: Entitlements and Processes: Course topics: The ADA Amendments Act; the Rehabilitation Act; the reasonable accommodation process; the “regarded as” provision of the ADA; telework and leave as reasonable accommodation; flexible work schedules and alternative work locations; religious accommodation.

Friday, June 17

Medical Documentation, Medical Requests and Record Confidentiality: Course topics: How the ADAAA and GINA impact the collection of medical information; pre- and post-employment medical exams and inquiries; conditional employment offers; medical documentation requests; direct threat; conflicting regulations and contra court decisions.

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by May 27):

• 5 days = $1475
• 4 days = $1195
• 3 days = $910
• 2 days = $630
• 1 day = $345

Standard Tuition (register May 28-June 17):

• 5 days = $1550
• 4 days = $1285
• 3 days = $975
• 2 days = $685
• 1 day = $395

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through May 30.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

FELTG’s Federal Workplace 2022: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends offers short, engaging, and guidance-filled training sessions to help you effectively manage the Federal employment challenges that are new, complicated, and critical to your and your agency’s success.

Each day focuses on a specific topic – a day each on Accountability, Challenges, and Trends. And we’ve added a bonus fourth day with a focus on Labor Relations. During the course of this program, FELTG instructors will share the best practices and lessons learned over the previous year, and provide the guidance and expertise you’ll need to thrive when faced with issues such as charging for misconduct, preparing performance narratives, reassessing reasonable accommodation post-COVID, harassment other than EEO, creating an inclusive mentality, preparing to bargain and much more. And we’ll get you up to date on the latest decisions from EEOC, MSPB, and FLRA.

We know you have plenty of training options – both onsite and virtual – to choose from this time of year. This program has several advantages. Although not a conference, it provides an opportunity for conference-like training for those who can’t get travel approval, or for those not quite ready to squish themselves back into packed training rooms. Other virtual training providers make you register and pay for the full agenda. Not FELTG. This training event allows attendees to register for only the sessions they prefer to attend.

In addition, FELTG is an SBA-certified Woman Owned Small Business, allowing your agency to help achieve its small business set aside fiscal targets. And if all that wasn’t enough, Federal Workplace 2022: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends is completely live, and attendees have the opportunities to ask questions and engage in polls and other activities.

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; DEIA specialists, Federal supervisors and managers; emerging leaders; union representatives.

Download Individual Registration Form

Monday, August 29, 2022

Spotlight on Accountability

Session 1

10:30 – 11:45 am EDT

Is That Misconduct? What Do I Charge?

Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Too often, a misconduct action is derailed not by lack of evidence, but due to a poorly drafted disciplinary charge. Attend this session to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. FELTG Instructor Bob Woods will cover the art and science behind drafting disciplinary charges, including the types of charges, parts of a charge, how charges are interpreted, and alternative charges. He’ll provide guidance on the best charge for any disciplinary scenario. This class will also include discussion of new MSPB cases involving charges.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Discern between misconduct and poor performance.
• Identify the pros and cons of the three different styles of charging.
• Recognize why certain charges may fail, and select alternatives that will withstand review.

Session 2

1 – 2:15 pm EDT

Make Your Best Case: Effectively Preparing Performance Narratives

Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

Preparing performance narratives can be tough. It’s a lot of writing, sometimes it’s hard to make the documentation you have fit what was written in the performance plan, and sometimes you know there’s going to be a fight about what you put down on that form. It may be the employee who thinks the rating should be higher. Sometimes, it’s a reviewer who doesn’t necessarily see your employee’s performance at the same level as you do. And, in some agencies, there are review panels that may be scouring your documentation. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga provides guidance to make preparing performance narratives less tough – and more effective.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Ensure they have the right criteria to measure an individual’s performance.
• Identify poorly written narratives and explain how to correct them.
• Write narratives of deficient performance that will stand up if challenged.

Session 3

3 – 4:15 pm EDT

What You Think You Know About AWOL is Probably Wrong

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

You can’t discipline an employee for AWOL unless it has reached a certain number of days. Employees can’t be removed for AWOL. You can’t be charged AWOL for time that you were physically present in the office. None of these statements is true; they are AWOL myths. During this presentation, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will shatter those myths and provide you with clear guidance on how to handle situations when an employee doesn’t show up for work. She’ll also explain the difference in AWOL as a charge and AWOL as a non-pay status, and provide strategies on how to handle employees who don’t report for duty.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Understand the elements of the charge of Absent Without Leave or Unauthorized Absence.
• Determine reasonable penalties when AWOL is charged.
• Identify situations where a perceived AWOL might be another type of absence.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Spotlight on Challenges

Session 4

10:30 – 11:45 am EDT

Other Types of Harassment: Beyond Discriminatory and Sexual Harassment

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Not everyone has the same definition of “harassment.” While most professionals recognize harassment that violates Title VII, some employees consider it harassment when supervisors provide unflattering performance feedback.  And, in between, there are threatening, intimidating, and disturbing acts that are unrelated to protected classes, but nonetheless must be addressed as misconduct. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will not only identify the lines that separate these different levels of harassment both perceived and real, but also explain how and when to address harassment as misconduct.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Differentiate between non-EEO harassment, EEO harassment, and actions that don’t qualify as harassment.
• Use the appropriate disciplinary framework for handling harassment as misconduct.
• Recognize agency obligations for addressing harassing employee behavior.

Session 5

1 – 2:15 pm EDT

Preparing for COVID-19 EEO Challenges in FY23

Presented by Ricky Rowe, former National EEO Manager/Veterans Administration, FELTG Instructor

As much as we are all ready to move on from COVID-19, the latest variant has made it clear: The virus is not done with us. As summer moves to fall, agencies will face new roadblocks returning employees to the physical workplace while keeping safe those employees who are already there. In this presentation, FELTG Instructor Ricky Rowe will focus on the relative laws and guidance surrounding temperature screening, which agencies will need to be familiar with this upcoming fiscal year.  This presentation will include the most up-to-date guidance available at that time.

Learning takeaways 

Attendees will learn how to:

• Implement the most updated guidance from the EEOC, CDC, the Task Force, etc.
• Recognize the potential legal pitfalls of seeking certain medical information.
• Create an effective, lawful, and operational framework for temperature screening employees.

Session 6

3 – 4:15 pm EDT

Managing a Potentially Suicidal Employee

Presented by Shana Palmieri, LCSW, CCO & Co-founder, XFERALL, FELTG Instructor

As suicide rates rise across the country, the impact is being felt in the workplace. Learning how to correctly manage an employee’s suicidal crisis and ideations is increasingly important. Knowing what to do, and when, might save an employee’s life. Shana Palmieri, LCSW will provide an overview of suicide ideation in the country and, more specifically, the workplace. She’ll share the signs, symptoms, and appropriate responses when managing an individual suffering with suicidal thoughts.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Communicate effectively with employees with suicidal ideation.
• Identify the signs and symptoms of suicide that indicate the need for professional intervention.
• Handle behavioral health emergencies.

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Spotlight on Trends

Session 7

10:30 – 11:45 am EDT

The Power of an Inclusive Mentality

Presented by J. Bruce Stewart, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Small World Solutions

What do rats addicted to heroin, Rosa Parks, a third-grade school teacher, a prize winning stage director, Miles Davis, and a little girl who has a form of autism called Williams Syndrome have in common? They have figured out the code to great performance.  And that code? It is Inclusive Mentality. Dr. Stewart, former Deputy Director for Diversity and Inclusion for the Office of Personnel Management and creator of OPM’s New IQ, will explain what the inclusive mentality code is and how it can be unlocked to unleash the full potential of diverse teams, in line with the President’s DEIA mandates.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Develop an inclusive mentality for team and organizational success.
• Explain why diversity alone or inclusion alone is not the answer but instead a big part of the problem.
• Make others around you better (and explain why it’s the key 21st Century skill).

Session 8

1 – 2:15 pm EDT

Revisiting Existing Reasonable Accommodations

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

One of the most important, yet often forgotten, parts of the reasonable accommodation process is the follow up. Sometimes, accommodations are no longer effective, no longer needed – or, perhaps, a more effective accommodation has become available. It’s a win-win process. And as employees start returning to the physical workplace after, for some, more than two years of remote work, now is the time to re-evaluate the effectiveness of employees’ reasonable accommodations. FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, will explain why this is important and how to go about ensuring you find the right accommodation.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Restart the interactive process.
• Make an appropriate reasonable accommodation determination.
• Determine if telework is an effective accommodation.

Session 9

3 – 4:15 pm EDT

MSPB and EEOC Case Law Update

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Whether you’re an HR professional, attorney, EEO specialist, or supervisor, keeping up with the ever-evolving Federal employment law is a necessity. Change happens quickly. This fast-paced review of the most relevant cases from the EEOC, the newly minted MSPB, and the Federal Circuit will ensure you’re not behind the times. Attendees will leave with knowledge of recent developments and with an in-depth analysis of the current employment law climate and its impact on the Federal workplace.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Determine the impact recent MSPB decisions on whistleblowing.
• Identify the recent critical decisions from the EEOC.
• Understand the effect of new Federal Circuit decisions on the executive branch.

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Spotlight on Labor Relations

Session 10

10:30 – 11:45 am pm EDT

What’s Happening in Federal Labor Relations?

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Ann Boehm, who spent 26 years as a government attorney (including a stint at the Federal Labor Relations Authority), will look at what’s been happening at the FLRA and what’s likely to happen now that third member Susan Tsui Grundmann has been confirmed. She’ll review recent decisions by the Federal Service Impasses Panel and discuss the five memos recently released by OPM that address enhanced workers’ rights.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify areas of labor law that may change with a fully staffed Authority.
• Understand the recent decisions from the FLRA and FSIP.
• Explain what your agency needs to do to meet OPM’s expectations for labor management relations.

Session 11

1 – 2:15 pm EDT

Preparing to Bargain

Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/FSIP, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Whether you’re currently preparing to negotiate with the union or if it’s a year down the road, this is a do-not-miss session. Joseph Schimansky will provide you with key strategies and guidance to ensure you are well-equipped to begin negotiations, and have a plan to successfully navigate the bargaining process.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the work that must be done before bargaining begins.
• Build an effective bargaining team.
• Evaluate your bargaining techniques for the most effective approach.

Pricing

• Early bird pricing for individual sessions starts at $150 per session. Daily and full event All Access discounts available.
• Early Bird discounts available until August 12.
• See registration form for full pricing details.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • This program is submitted for CLE credits to the State Bar of Virginia, and we anticipate approval within. few weeks. Individual CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for All Access registration options only. Group discounts are available through August 12.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

The last year has presented a dramatic shift in the world of federal labor relations. President Biden’s Executive Order rescinding numerous Trump Executive Orders, including those regarding official time, bargaining topics, negotiation timeframes, and union responsibilities to pay for things they never had to pay for before. Meanwhile, a Democratic nominee awaits confirmation that would change the political make-up of the Authority, and another Democrat awaits confirmation for the permanent General Counsel position that sat vacant for far too long.

Now, more than ever, you need FELTG’s FLRA Law Week. Led by two instructors with a combined total of nearly 40 years experience working at the FLRA, this training will bring you up to speed on where the current law stands, and share best practices on how to effectively navigate it in your day-to-day work, whether you’re a labor attorney, labor relations specialist or union representative.

FLRA Law Week provides attendees with a firm foundation of the historical perspective and precedence of FLRA decisions, as well as a strategy for taking advantage of any new approaches that are coming out of the FLRA. And this includes the latest guidance based on the FLRA’s recent precedent-breaking decisions have on collective bargaining.

There’s no other place where you can get in-depth guidance on hot-button issues, such as permissive bargaining, official time, and negotiations, to guide you through this dynamic time. So join us for this class September 19-23, where the entire world of Federal labor relations will be discussed.

The program runs 12:00 – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway through.

Instructors

Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Daily Agenda

Monday, September 19

Basic Management and Employee Rights: An overview of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute; the current status of Executive Orders 13836 and 13837; fundamental employee, union, and management rights; bargaining unit definition; the union organizer’s role; information requests; official time.

Tuesday, September 20

Labor Relations Meetings and Bargaining: More on official time; formal discussions; union representative rights; the collective bargaining process; the three categories of bargaining: mandatory, permissive, and prohibited; introduction to negotiability.

Wednesday, September 21

Unfair Labor Practices and Negotiability: Employee rights vs. Management rights; the anatomy of an Unfair Labor Practice; an overview of the Federal Services Impasse Panel; negotiability appeals.

Thursday, September 22

The Psychology of Bargaining, Plus Grievances and Pandemic-Related Issues: Selecting a bargaining strategy; interest based bargaining as compared to hard ball bargaining; grievances; exceptions to arbitration awards; a new Administration.

Friday, September 23

Understanding the FSIP and Arbitration: Panel members, FSIP procedures, recent FSIP developments, the arbitration process overview; binding the arbitrator; how federal government arbitration is different from private sector arbitration and appeals; educating the arbitrator.

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by September 5):

• 5 days = $1495
• 4 days = $1225
• 3 days = $935
• 2 days = $700
• 1 day = $370

Standard Tuition (register September 6-23):

• 5 days = $1575
• 4 days = $1305
• 3 days = $995
• 2 days = $730
• 1 day = $400

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person. No split registrations.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through September 5.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Federal employees have historically enjoyed a wide variety of leave-related benefits. Those benefits have only increased in recent years, most recently in the form of paid parental leave. It’s no wonder that leave, which is not always an entitlement, has become such a complex and seemingly burdensome issue, especially when they intersect with other laws. And then there are also the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you’re an HR professional, employee relations practitioner, EEO specialist, supervisor, or agency counsel, you have undoubtedly faced a leave-related challenge. FELTG’s Absence, Leave Abuse & Medical Issues Week will give you the critical foundation you need to address the most complex areas of federal employment law, including the recent challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our speakers will discuss sick leave, annual leave, leave without pay, absence without leave, and FMLA. Then they will tackle the most current, relevant topics, such as disciplining employees for leave abuse, dealing with medical issues and unacceptable performance, leave and reasonable accommodation, medical documentation, medical exams, and more.

The program runs 12:30 – 4:30 each day (all times eastern), with a break midway through. Participants will receive program materials via email the week before the training.

Download Individual Registration Form

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; federal supervisors and managers; union representatives.

Instructors

Barbara Haga, Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Bob Woods

Daily Agenda:

Monday, September 26

Leave Use Overview: Course topics: Emergency Paid Sick Leave, Sick Leave: eligibility, notification requirements, medical certification, dealing with abuse, Additional Leave Entitlements, Administrative Leave.

Tuesday, September 27

FMLA Law and Policy: Course topics: FMLA:  eligibility, notification requirements, definition of serious health condition, medical certification, intermittent use, and Paid Family Leave.

Wednesday, September 28

Leave-Related Discipline & Medical Removals: Course topics: The five elements of discipline; leave-related misconduct; documentation necessary to discipline an employee for leave-related misconduct and leave abuse; AWOL charges; excessive absence removals; medical inability to perform removals.

Thursday, September 29

Reasonable Accommodation: Entitlements and Processes: Course topics: The ADA Amendments Act; the Rehabilitation Act; the reasonable accommodation process; the “regarded as” provision of the ADA; telework and leave as reasonable accommodation; flexible work schedules and alternative work locations; religious accommodation.

Friday, September 30

Medical Documentation, Medical Requests and Record Confidentiality: Course topics: How the ADAAA and GINA impact the collection of medical information; pre- and post-employment medical exams and inquiries; conditional employment offers; medical documentation requests; direct threat; conflicting regulations and contra court decisions.

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by September 9):

• 5 days = $1495
• 4 days = $1225
• 3 days = $935
• 2 days = $700
• 1 day = $370

Standard Tuition (register September 10-30):

• 5 days = $1575
• 4 days = $1305
• 3 days = $995
• 2 days = $730
• 1 day = $400

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through September 9.

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

Investigating harassment in your Federal agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. Ensuring that your investigation is legally compliant and protects employees, while helping the agency minimize liability, is a taxing task. It’s even more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic when most investigations must be done virtually.

Together, these three instructor-led live training sessions will provide a solid basis for a successful and effective approach to conducting legally-sufficient harassment investigations that stand up upon third-party review. Peruse MSPB and EEOC cases and you’ll find that poorly conducted investigations are far more common than they should be, and the cost of these investigations to agencies are bigger than you’d expect.

Understand the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment. Learn the best techniques to conduct an investigation – whether onsite or virtually. Write a report that covers all the crucial information. And much more.

This open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute program Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Plus, this program fulfills the requirements for 8-hour annual EEO investigator refresher training.

You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for all three. This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from  2:30 – 3:00 eastern.

Download Individual Registration Form

Tuesday, October 4

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (break from 2:30 – 3:00)

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: An effective harassment investigation begins with a solid foundation of misconduct law in the federal workplace. Attorney and FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will explain the principles that underpin a successful investigation of federal employee misconduct, whether it’s on-duty or off-duty. Attendees will learn the five elements of discipline and understand how they relate to the misconduct investigation process. Plus, they’ll learn about evidence standards and burdens of proof in misconduct cases, how Douglas factors play in to an investigation, the importance of nexus, what to do when a witness won’t cooperate, and much more.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the relationship between the foundations of federal accountability and misconduct investigations.
• Identify and collect relevant penalty evidence during the investigation.
• Recognize the mistakes that derail effective misconduct and harassment investigations.

Wednesday, October 5

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (break from 2:30 – 3:00)

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: What is the scope of the investigation? Who should you interview? What documents are you going to need? Preparing your investigative plan is a critical step in developing a legally sufficient investigation. Attorney Katherine Atkinson will explain the proper role of the investigator and how you can avoid the pitfalls of an insufficient investigation with the proper preparation and knowledge. Plus, she’ll answer important questions about representation: Does the witness have the right to a representative? Does the union have a right to attend the interview – even if the witness doesn’t want the union there? What rights does agency management have in the process?

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the impact that has on the investigations’ legal sufficiency.
• Identify witness rights and management rights.
• Recognize the three basic characteristics of evidence in a harassment investigation.

Thursday, October 6

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (break from 2:30 – 3:00)

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Attorney Katherine Atkinson will share legal principles and proven guidance to navigate this most critical and challenging part of harassment investigations: conducting the interviews and gathering relevant evidence. Attendees will leave the session with techniques for questioning, tools for reading body language, suggestions on how to handle difficult personality types, and tips for writing the fact-finding report (FFR) and report of investigation (ROI). Ms. Atkinson will also share how technology is changing the investigation process, including a very timely discussion of conducting virtual interviews.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the similarities and differences in conducting onsite and virtual interviews.
• Apply logic and judgment to evaluate conflicting statements.
• Write a fulsome report on the findings from the harassment investigation.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by September 19): One Session = $370  |  Two Sessions = $700  |  Full Event = $935
• Standard Tuition (register September 20-October 6): One Session = $400  |  Two Sessions = $730  |  Full Event = $995
• Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through September 19. Contact FELTG.
• REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through September 19.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Employee relations professionals: FELTG’s three-day Advanced ER virtual training event gives you the kind of interactive foundational-based, training necessary to handle the most challenging and complicated situations.

Attendees will  receive in-depth training on topics including leave, performance, misconduct, and more. Have an employee who is absent so often she is unable to perform her job? Wondering how Paid Parental Leave works with FMLA? When is the last time you looked at critical elements? FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will give you the tools you need to handle any employee relations issue that comes your way, as well as guidance on ensuring that some of those challenges never arise.

The program runs 9:30 – 4:30 ET each day and is approved for 18 HRCI general recertification credits.

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday, November 1

Leave and Attendance: Administering leave, with particular emphasis on sick leave, LWOP, and FMLA. Detailed review of sick leave provisions including authorized purposes for use of sick leave, limitations on use of sick leave for family care and bereavement, eligibility to use leave for care, notice requirements, acceptable documentation. Management actions to control use of leave and abuse of sick leave. Detailed review of FMLA provisions including eligibility to invoke FMLA, entitlement, coverage of family members, administration and notice requirements. Acceptable medical documentation under FMLA, definition of serious health condition. Substitution of paid leave, including Paid Parental Leave. Discipline tied to FMLA. LWOP – when LWOP is mandatory, limits on granting LWOP, employee status while on extended LWOP. Other topics –issues related to annual leave and leave transfer, other leave entitlements.

Wednesday, November 2

Performance Management: Managing performance from system establishment to conducting annual appraisals to taking actions linked to performance. GEAR initiative and other efforts focused on modifying Federal performance management system. Requirements for performance plans, including design of agency systems, rating schemes, and procedures for conducting appraisals. Linkage between appraisal and other personnel management decisions, including reduction-in-force and within-grade increases. Writing effective and measurable performance criteria that will withstand third-party review, including a workshop where participants will do an in-depth review of performance plans. Requirements for successful performance-based actions – from drafting a PIP notice that will withstand scrutiny to conducting a bona fide PIP to ensuring that due process is met in effecting an action on unacceptable performance.

Thursday, November 3

Misconduct and Other Related Issues: Implementation of a successful disciplinary program – delegation of authority, role of advisors, warnings and cautions, use of administrative leave. Nexus. Dealing with comparators in determining a penalty. Involuntary actions – resignations and retirements. Ordering and Offering medical examinations. Specific disciplinary situations: handling situations when an employee is unable to perform including excessive leave, disability retirement, separation disability; conduct unbecoming; misuse and technology-related misconduct; failure to meet conditions of employment.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by October 17):

• 3 days = $1370
• 2 days = $970
• 1 day = $530

Standard Tuition (register October 18 or later):

• 3 days = $1470
• 2 days = $1070
• 1 day = $630

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to have the best chance to receive materials by the training date, please register by October 17 and provide a shipping address, and your materials will be sent via USPS Priority Mail. Registrations received after October will also receive printed materials, which will be shipped Priority Mail when registration is received; they may not arrive in time for the training.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through October 17, 2022.

Event Description

They just don’t get it. Some people think of the Federal workplace as a slow, monolithic bureaucracy. They don’t see the the abrupt changes in priorities that accompany every change in presidential administrations. They don’t understand how decisions by the Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Federal Labor Relations Authority, Federal Circuit, or even the Supreme Court can upend years (even decades sometimes) of policies and procedures. And we haven’t even touched on Office of Personnel Management regulations. They don’t see the challenges of ensuring the workplace is accountable, striving to make the workplace look more like America, and resolving disputes that could the end up costing those same taxpayers.

There are people in all sectors of work that have an easy job. But if you’re an HR professional, attorney, supervisor, or an EEO or ER/LR specialist, you’re not one of those people.

We’ve got you. We understand the impact of changing times, rules, and laws.

This year’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law provides the guidance to succeed in the dynamic (yes, dynamic) Federal Workplace. Learn from those you may see in the trenches, like former FELTG Instructor and current EEOC Administrative Judge Meghan Droste and arbitrator Joseph Schimansky. We’ll guide you through the ever-changing law, whether it’s justifying a PIP or recognizing the new face of reprisal. We’ll give you the path for moving forward, whether it’s overcoming bias or getting more use out of the probationary period.

With 11 unique sessions over four days, FELTG’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law offers an opportunity to receive guidance with a fresh perspective. And many sessions offer opportunities to pick up CLE or EEO refresher credits.

Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law provides benefits you just can’t get from online virtual training providers. You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for the whole program.  Also, the training is presented LIVE by FELTG’s experienced and respected instructors, who will answer your questions, so you get answers in real time. Don’t put off getting the important training you need.

Download Individual Registration Form

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Lessons Learned

Session 1

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

Avoiding Pitfalls: Advice from an EEOC AJ

Presented by Meghan Droste, Administrative Judge, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Course description: Be prepared. Be on time. Be civil. These are pretty basic expectations. Yet, they’re often forgotten once parties enter the EEO process. And once in the process, the potential pitfalls only increase. EEOC Administrative Judge Meghan Droste will discuss the common mistakes agencies make, from missing important deadlines to missing the mark in pleadings, whether it’s failing to provide citations to the record or exceeding page limits, or another reason. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear an EEOC AJ point out the specific perils you need to avoid to achieve success in the EEO process. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Session 2

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

13 Months In: Tristan Leavitt Shares Important Lessons from the MSPB

Presented by Tristan Leavitt, former MSPB Member/President Empower Oversight; and Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: The Merit Systems Protection Board went through a tumultuous period recently. No one has had a bigger role during that time period than Tristan Leavitt. Leavitt served as a Board Member from 2022-2023 as part of the first quorum in over 5 years. Before that he served as General Counsel, and was the acting agency head after remaining Member Mark Robbins’ term expired in 2019.  FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will talk with Leavitt about how he steered the Board through the long period with no members, and will discuss important takeaways on topics including the Board’s view on post-Santos performance cases, the pendulum swing on comparator employees over the past decade-plus, important lessons on whistleblower protections, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Leavitt’s unique perspective. Ensure you’re prepared for the next time you have business with the agency.  Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 

Session 3

3:00 – 4:15 pm ET 

What I’ve Learned: Advice from an Arbitrator

Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/Federal Service Impasses Panel,  FELTG Instructor

Course Description: The Federal Service Impasses Panel’s former Executive Director now spends his time, when not teaching for FELTG, arbitrating federal Labor Relations disputes. Joe Schimansky will share his guidance and advice on topics such as educating the arbitrator about your case, how the arbitrators view the Douglas factors in discipline cases, the rules in handling requests for attorney’s fees, navigating loser pays provisions, and the role of past practices when interpreting contract provisions.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

The Ever-Changing Law

Session 4

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

The How, Why, and When of Justifying a PIP

Presented by Robert Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: Federal supervisors have a useful tool to deal with underperforming employees – the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Yet, supervisors have consistently struggled with getting PIPs right, even before the recent decision in Santos v. NASA, which requires agencies to have substantial evidence of poor performance BEFORE the implementing the PIP. FELTG Instructor Bob Woods will detail the ins and outs of this new requirement and share clear guidance and the effective, time-tested FELTG approach to handling unacceptable performance. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 5

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

The Many Faces of Reprisal

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Did you know that the most common discrimination finding in Federal sector cases is reprisal, also known as retaliation? Why does it continue to be the most common finding and why does it show up in nearly half of all EEO complaints? Because it’s ubiquitous. Reprisal rears its ugly head in numerous situations – and those scenarios continue to change over time. FELTG Instructor Katie Atkinson will provide a thorough review of the various forms of EEO reprisal and share important guidance on how to keep it from happening at your agency, with a special focus on “per se reprisal.” Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Session 6

3:00 – 4:15 pm ET

MSPB and EEOC Case Law Update

Presented by Deborah Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course description: The MSPB is back and delivering decisions, the FLRA and EEOC continue to issue important decisions, the Federal Circuit has been hopping, and OPM regularly updates its guidance. A District Court in Texas recently put a hold on major Federal workplace mandates, and a Federal Appeals court has recently struck down FLRA policy decisions. It’s a lot to keep up with. That’s why you need to join FELTG for this fast-paced review of the most surprising, significant, and groundbreaking developments in Federal employment law. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Moving Forward

Session 7

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

Overcoming Bias: The Power to Make Visible the Invisible

Presented by Dr. J. Bruce Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Small World Solutions

Course description: Unconscious bias is natural, prevalent, and human, according to Bruce Stewart. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. In some cases, unconscious bias can lead people, teams, and organizations to be less creative, inclusive, and effective as they could be. This 75-minute training will provide strategies and structures for individuals, teams, and organizations to overcome the negative impact of the human condition known as unconscious bias. 1.25

Session 8

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

Up in Smoke? Changing Laws, Marijuana, and the Federal Workplace

Presented by Deborah Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course description:This presentation coincides with 4/20 celebrations across the country, as marijuana dispensaries offer big sales and individuals partake in the drug, many of them doing so legally. Following President Biden’s pardon for people convicted of simple possession of marijuana, and the growing legalization movement, we received a lot of questions regarding Federal employees and their use, whether recreationally, medicinally, or “accidentally” – of marijuana.  FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will review the laws that apply to Federal employees, discuss relevant MSPB cases, and share the most effective approach to managing and/or disciplining employees when their drug usage seeps into the workplace. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 

Session 9

3:00 – 4:15 pm ET

Everything You Want to Know About Probationary Periods 

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: On the surface, probationary periods seem rather simple. An employee is given a year to prove they are a good fit for the job. But, as many agencies are now realizing, there can be challenges. What if, due to the employee’s shifting job responsibilities or leave, you are unable to make an appropriate determination at the end of the period? Must you notify employees when their probationary periods are coming to an end? Can you discipline or PIP someone during a probationary period? When re-instating or competitively hiring an employee, is a new probationary period required? FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm will lead a discussion on all you need to know. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 

Friday April 21, 2023

Labor Relations Spotlight

Session 10

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

The Union Doesn’t Get to Attend Every Meeting

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Why do unions have the right to attend formal discussions? Why did Congress use the word “formal?” What does “formal” mean? What if the employee doesn’t want the union to attend the meeting? Is it better to just invite the union to every meeting? You have questions, questions, and more questions – and FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm has all the answers. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 11

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

FLRA Case Law Update

Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/FSIP, FELTG Instructor

Course description: During this 75-minute session, Joe Schimansky will bring you up to speed on everything FLRA, from significant decisions in the areas of negotiability, arbitration, unfair labor practices, and representation to the impact that the lack of a third member has had on the Authority.

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by April 3):
  • One Session = $165
  • One Day (Three Sessions) = $425
  • Labor Relations Day = $295
  • April 18-20 All Access  = $1245
  • April 18-21 All Access with Labor Relations = $1495
• Standard Tuition (register April 4-21)
  • One Session = $195
  • One Day (Three Sessions) = $525
  • Labor Relations Day = $355
  • April 18-20 All Access = $1565
  • April 18-21 All Access with Labor Relations = $1895
• Rates per registrant and may not be used for groups under any circumstances. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• How do I claim CLE or EEO refresher credits?
  • This program has been submitted (and we anticipate this program will be approved) for Virginia CLE credits. Members of other state bars must submit for CLE credit on their own, and may use the materials provided by FELTG in submissions. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended, and will designate how many EEO refresher hours were earned.
• Can I get HRCI credits for attending this class?
  • Each session is approved for 1.25 hours of HRCI general recertification credit. The HRCI course numbers will be available upon the conclusion of the training.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through April 3.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Course Description

Official time. Bargaining topics. Negotiation timeframes. Meetings. Permissive bargaining. Union responsibilities.

Anyone who has worked in federal labor relations for any amount of time, knows that it’s an always-changing and ever-challenging field. It’s absolutely necessary to continually update and refresh your knowledge and skills. So why not get that important training from two instructors with a combined 40 years of experience working at the Federal Labor Relations Authority and even more years of experience in the federal employment law world.

This training will bring you up to speed on where the current law stands, and share best practices on how to effectively navigate it in your day-to-day work, whether you’re a labor attorney, labor relations specialist or union representative.

FLRA Law Week provides attendees with a firm foundation of the historical perspective and precedence of FLRA decisions, as well as a strategy for taking advantage of any new approaches that are coming out of the FLRA.

There’s no other place where you can get in-depth guidance on hot-button LR issues to guide you through this dynamic time. So join us for this class May 1-5, where the entire world of Federal labor relations will be discussed.

Daily Agenda

Monday, May 1

Basic Management and Employee Rights: An overview of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute; the current status of Executive Orders 13836 and 13837; fundamental employee, union, and management rights; bargaining unit definition; the union organizer’s role; information requests; official time.

Tuesday, May 2

Labor Relations Meetings and Bargaining: More on official time; formal discussions; union representative rights; the collective bargaining process; the three categories of bargaining: mandatory, permissive, and prohibited; introduction to negotiability.

Wednesday, May 3

Unfair Labor Practices and Negotiability: Employee rights vs. Management rights; the anatomy of an Unfair Labor Practice; an overview of the Federal Services Impasse Panel; negotiability appeals.

Thursday, May 4

The Psychology of Bargaining, Plus Grievances and Pandemic-Related Issues: Selecting a bargaining strategy; interest based bargaining as compared to hard ball bargaining; grievances; exceptions to arbitration awards.

Friday, May 5

Understanding the FSIP and Arbitration: Panel members, FSIP procedures, recent FSIP developments, the arbitration process overview; binding the arbitrator; how federal government arbitration is different from private sector arbitration and appeals; educating the arbitrator.

Date and Time

May 1-5, 2023

12:30 – 4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructors

Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by April 17):

• 5 days = $1595
• 4 days = $1365
• 3 days = $995
• 2 days = $725
• 1 day = $395

Standard Tuition (register April 18-May 5):

• 5 days = $1695
• 4 days = $1465
• 3 days = $1095
• 2 days = $825
• 1 day = $495

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person. No split registrations.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through April 17.

Course Description

Employee relations professionals: FELTG’s three-day Advanced ER virtual training event gives you the kind of interactive foundational-based, training necessary to handle the most challenging and complicated situations.

Attendees will  receive in-depth training on topics including leave, performance, misconduct, and more. Have an employee who is absent so often she is unable to perform her job? Wondering how Paid Parental Leave works with FMLA? When is the last time you looked at critical elements? FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will give you the tools you need to handle any employee relations issue that comes your way, as well as guidance on ensuring that some of those challenges never arise.

This training is approved for 18 HRCI general recertification credits.

Tuesday, May 9

Leave and Attendance: Administering leave, with particular emphasis on sick leave, LWOP, and FMLA. Detailed review of sick leave provisions including authorized purposes for use of sick leave, limitations on use of sick leave for family care and bereavement, eligibility to use leave for care, notice requirements, acceptable documentation. Management actions to control use of leave and abuse of sick leave. Detailed review of FMLA provisions including eligibility to invoke FMLA, entitlement, coverage of family members, administration and notice requirements. Acceptable medical documentation under FMLA, definition of serious health condition. Substitution of paid leave, including Paid Parental Leave. Discipline tied to FMLA. LWOP – when LWOP is mandatory, limits on granting LWOP, employee status while on extended LWOP. Other topics –issues related to annual leave and leave transfer, other leave entitlements.

Wednesday, May 10

Performance Management: Managing performance from system establishment to conducting annual appraisals to taking actions linked to performance. GEAR initiative and other efforts focused on modifying Federal performance management system. Requirements for performance plans, including design of agency systems, rating schemes, and procedures for conducting appraisals. Linkage between appraisal and other personnel management decisions, including reduction-in-force and within-grade increases. Writing effective and measurable performance criteria that will withstand third-party review, including a workshop where participants will do an in-depth review of performance plans. Requirements for successful performance-based actions – from drafting a PIP notice that will withstand scrutiny to conducting a bona fide PIP to ensuring that due process is met in effecting an action on unacceptable performance.

Thursday, May 11

Misconduct and Other Related Issues: Implementation of a successful disciplinary program – delegation of authority, role of advisors, warnings and cautions, use of administrative leave. Nexus. Dealing with comparators in determining a penalty. Involuntary actions – resignations and retirements. Ordering and Offering medical examinations. Specific disciplinary situations: handling situations when an employee is unable to perform including excessive leave, disability retirement, separation disability; conduct unbecoming; misuse and technology-related misconduct; failure to meet conditions of employment.

Date and Time

May 9-11, 2023

9:30 am – 4:30 pm ET each day

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by April 24):

• 3 days = $1425
• 2 days = $995
• 1 day = $530

Standard Tuition (register April 25 or later):

• 3 days = $1525
• 2 days = $1095
• 1 day = $630

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to have the best chance to receive materials by the training date, please register by April 24 and provide a shipping address, and your materials will be sent via USPS Priority Mail. Registrations received after April 24 will also receive printed materials, which will be shipped Priority Mail when registration is received; they may not arrive in time for the training.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through April 24, 2023.

Course Description

Welcome to FELTG’s annual Federal Workplace event. This year, we’ve altered the format, but here’s what hasn’t changed: Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends will provide in-depth, up-to-date, engaging, and guidance-filled training sessions to help you effectively manage the Federal employment challenges that are new, complicated, and critical to your and your agency’s success.

In half-day classes over five days, you will learn how to effectively manage performance in a hybrid workplace, properly assess requests for telework as a reasonable accommodation, draft disciplinary charges and make penalty determinations that withstand the review of the new MSPB, address your own biases and recognize how racial myths have infiltrated policies and procedures, make the most of your job interviews and reference checks, and identify the pitfalls that are derailing your EEO investigations.

Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends offers benefits that you just can’t get from most virtual training programs. You can register for any of the sessions individually, or for the whole program. The training is presented LIVE by some of your favorite engaging and knowledgeable FELTG instructors – President Deborah J. Hopkins, Ann Boehm, and Barbara Haga – along with highly respected guest presenters J. Bruce Stewart, Ph.D., and Roslyn Brown.

Earn CLE credits, EEO refresher hours, and receive unique DEIA training that meets the President’s mandate.

The new fiscal year is just weeks away. Make sure you’re prepared to tackle the challenges coming your way. Attend FELTG’s Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends.

Monday, July 31, 2023

The Post-pandemic Federal Workplace: Telework and Hybrid Work Challenges

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

The pandemic has likely forever changed the Federal workplace. More employees (and applicants) than ever before not only want to work remotely but expect to. In an effort to bring some employees back to their physical workspace, the “hybrid” workplace has become the norm for most Federal agencies.

With some people working remotely and others onsite, how do you ensure that you hold all employees accountable for performance – and how do you ensure that it’s done fairly? And how do you handle the increasing number of requests to telework, especially those citing the request as an accommodation for a disability?

Some employees will struggle regardless of whether they’re at home or in an office. Using framework from FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, Ann Boehm will provide guidance on swiftly and effectively addressing unacceptable performance, regardless of where the employee is working. Plus she’ll discuss setting expectations and monitoring performance of employees who aren’t onsite.

She’ll also leave you with a path to determine when to say yes to a request for reasonable accommodation to telework – and when to say no.  Find out what the EEOC says about accommodating an employee’s commute and what to do if telework would be an effective accommodation, but another accommodation would work too.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Appropriately handle requests for telework as a reasonable accommodation.
• Write valid performance standards that apply to the employee’s current working situation.
• Improve their skills for handling unacceptable performers, regardless of their work location.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Charges and Penalties Under the New MSPB

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

If you’ve been in the business for more than a few days, you know the importance of drafting legally sufficient disciplinary charges and making a defensible penalty determination. Yet many agencies still lose cases because of poorly drafted charges, or inadequate Douglas factor penalty assessments.

FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will cover the art and science behind drafting disciplinary charges, including the types of charges, parts of a charge, how charges are interpreted, and alternative charges. From there the discussion will cover the factors required to determine an appropriate penalty for employee misconduct. We’ll also look at how the current MSPB views charges and penalties by deconstructing recent cases they’ve issued.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Determine what charges to use based on the circumstances.
• Defend the reasonableness of the penalty using the Douglas Factors.
• Increase their chances of penalty deference based on this Board’s view on penalty assessment.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

The Race Ahead: Breaking the Cycle of Racial Bias by Rewiring the American Mind

Dr. J. Bruce Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Small World Solutions

Are you curious about how our perceptions of race have been rewired over time? Do you want to explore the negative associations with race and how they perpetuate racial biases? This class is not about blame and shame, it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of how demographic changes in America have impacted our understanding of race. J. Bruce Stewart will delve into the myths of meritocracy, character, and intelligence that have perpetuated racial biases. When racial biases inform policies and practices, it results in unequal treatment and creates a system where some individuals or groups are favored over others. Join us to discover how you can move your agency towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the negative associations that perpetuate racial myths and shape policies and practices.
• Gain insight into the power of networks and stories in challenging the race myth and how to shift towards a more inclusive future.
• Develop strategies and tactics to dismantle racial bias in their own communities and confront their own biases.

This session meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Successful Hiring: Effective Techniques for Interviewing and Reference Checking

Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

The Federal hiring process requires patience. If you’ve finally been granted approval to fill a position, you may be tempted to get someone hired as quickly as possible.

This interactive training will prepare supervisors and managers for conducting legal and successful job interviews, and will help agency advisors who assist managers in the hiring process. Barbara Haga will share guidance on how to make the most out of interviewing and checking references, from crafting an accurate position description, to asking the right questions, to assessing a candidate’s ability to perform the job. Ms. Haga will also throw back the curtains on perennial questions, such as: Are we required to interview all candidates? Do we have to ask all candidates the same exact questions? How do you use behavior-based questions to get answers about depth of experience or knowledge? What can or can’t you ask during a reference check?

Attendees will learn how to:

• Prepare defensible questions for applicants.
• Identify hiring practices that work and those to avoid.
• Get critical job-related information from current and past supervisors.

Friday, August 4, 2023

Bad Detective: The Mistakes That Hamper Agency Investigations

Roslyn Brown, President/CEO at EEO Workplace Strategies

Maybe you envision yourself donning a Sherlock Holmes hat and cape. Or, perhaps, your model is the masterful Benoit Blanc of Knives Out Mystery fame. If only the work of a Federal administrative investigation was as easy as these fictional detectives make their jobs seem. Instead, there are more than enough opportunities for you to come out looking like a bumbling Inspector Clouseau.

During her distinguished Federal (and post-Federal) career, Roslyn Brown has seen her fair share of investigations that have gone the wrong way. It could be an investigator’s failure to interview certain witnesses, a failure to take a complainant’s statement into account, or, perhaps, an action, such as a widely shared email, that shows a lack of objectivity. An investigator’s failure to stay up to date with case law could sink a case, as could the inability to meet your deadlines.

Over the course of an afternoon, Ms. Brown will provide guidance on how to conduct a timely and effective investigation, while identifying the pitfalls that have doomed such efforts in the past.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Collect relevant evidence during the investigation.
• Refine their investigation skills.
• Identify the pitfalls that that derail effective investigations.

Attendees can also earn up to 3.5 EEO refresher credits by attending this session.

Date and Time

July 31 – August 4, 2023

1:00 – 4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructors

Deborah J. Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Barbara Haga, J. Bruce Stewart, Roslyn Brown

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 6):

• 5 days = $1595
• 4 days = $1365
• 3 days = $995
• 2 days = $725
• 1 day = $395

Standard Tuition (register July 7 and later):

• 5 days = $1695
• 4 days = $1465
• 3 days = $1095
• 2 days = $825
• 1 day = $495

Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.

Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through July 6. Contact FELTG. REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 6.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.