Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Jun
28
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Managing Ongoing COVID-related EEO Challenges in the Federal Workplace
Jun 28 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

President Biden’s Executive Order requiring all Federal employees to be vaccinated with no option for regular coronavirus testing to opt out of the mandate, will likely be back in effect within days. 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?

Attorney Katherine Atkinson will not only share with you the latest guidance from the president’s EO, the EEOC and the CDC, but she will also explain how applying the basic EEO framework can answer the aforementioned and other puzzling EEO questions you may suddenly face. Because Ms. Atkinson will use a legal analysis to address these challenges, the answers and guidance you receive during this virtual training will be useful long after the coronavirus is gone.

Beyond the vaccination mandate, Ms. Atkinson will also help you answer the following questions and more:

  • How should agencies prioritize all the exemption requests that were on hold during the several months the EO was enjoined?
  • Is COVID-related harassment and reprisal illegal under the EEO statutes?
  • What documentation should agencies maintain to defend agains the complaints that will inevitably be filed?

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 unvaccinated employee creates an undue hardship to an agency’s operations in the religious accommodation context
  • How the undue hardship determination is different for an employee who requested accommodation due to a disability
  • How to spot pandemic-related retaliation that constitutes a legal violation

This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 eastern, with a 30-minute break midway.

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by June 13): $355
  • Standard Tuition (register June 14-28 or later): $395
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through June 13. Contact FELTG.

 

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 individuals. Group discounts are available through June 13. 

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.

Jul
12
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Jul 12 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Marcus Hill, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Bob Woods, Joseph Schimansky

Course Description

Federal supervisors and advisers: Your time is valuable as ever, yet your challenges are changing — and growing.

FELTG’s annual supervisory training event returns in 2022 with a new look and focus. We’re still offering comprehensive training that expands upon legal principles to provide you with the necessary tools and best practices to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. But this time, we take a laser focus on sessions that specifically address the unique challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These monthly 60-minute webinars provide you with the legal foundation for managing distinct situations regarding performance and conduct accountability, reasonable accommodation, sick leave, harassment, and labor relations (for those of you who supervise bargaining unit employees). But the guidance provided will help you build the necessary framework to tackle other equally specific and challenging situations.

These sessions are held live and provide an opportunity to ask questions — and get answers — from FELTG’s experienced instructors.

2022 dates:

March 8: Understanding Performance vs. Misconduct: Is it a performance issue or a conduct issue? Knowing how to answer this question will allow you to take the appropriate action. This webinar will teach the distinction between performance and conduct; provide an overview on holding employees accountable; discuss the “can’t vs. won’t” conundrum; and set the stage for defensible discipline and performance actions.

April 12: Insubordinate Employee? Don’t Mess With the Wrong Elements: Ever have an employee who refused to follow your orders? What if the employee failed to follow the order, but you’re not sure if it was intentional? The first step to dealing with the issue is to understand the word “insubordinate” and its legal implications. Learn the factors that will help you determine the most effective way to take action against employees who disobey lawful orders.

May 10: The Roller Coaster Employee: Managing Up-and-Down Performance: You’ve undoubtedly seen it several times, and it’s always frustrating. An employee is put on a performance demonstration period (DP, PIP, ODAP – or whatever your agency calls it) and does well enough to stay in his position. But when the DP ends, his performance dips again. You don’t have to feel helpless. Learn the most effective way to manage wide swings in performance.

June 14: Reasonable Accommodation: The Interactive Process: An important step after an employee requests a reasonable accommodation for a disability and provides supporting medical documentation is to engage in the “interactive process” with the employee. This training will explain what that process entails, how supervisors should work with disability program managers and reasonable accommodation coordinators, and answer key questions, such as: How do you define undue hardship? How do you determine essential functions? Do I have to give an employee telework as an accommodation? And much more.

July 12: Effectively Handling Sick Leave Use and Abuse: Managing the uncertainty and increased workload when employees call in sick is a perennial challenge for Federal supervisors. Even more complicated is administering sick leave, considering the multiple uses and numerous family members covered. Learn the six authorized uses of sick leave, who is a family member for sick leave purposes, the potential signs of sick leave abuse and how to counsel the employee; and the actions you can take for sick leave abuse, providing false medical information, or excessive absences.

August 9: The New Hostile Work Environment:  As the pandemic raged and employees remained home, many thought that reprehensible harassing 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. Learn what hostile work environment entails, what you can do to prevent it, and how to take prompt and effective action when harassment is alleged.

August 23: Do I Need to Invite the Union to this Meeting? You know that there are certain types of meetings that require you to invite the union. But meetings happen every day, so does that mean the union has a right to be at every one? Which ones need to include the union? Learn what makes a meeting a formal discussion, the union’s rights and responsibilities when it comes to meeting, and what the union rep can and cannot do during the formal discussion.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 28).
  • Special series discounts available through February 28: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made March 1 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

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.

Jul
13
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Honoring Diversity: Eliminating Microaggressions and Bias in the Federal Workplace
Jul 13 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

If you thought President Biden’s Executive Orders to advance racial equity throughout the Federal government and strengthen discrimination protections were just feel-good statements, think again.

You should have already completed your DEIA strategic plan. You’ll now need to file annual DEIA reports to the White House. Those reports should reveal the depth and breadth of your efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility throughout your agency.

This issue is NOT going away.  Employees, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, will not feel respected and empowered unless the agency addresses unconscious bias and microaggressions in the workplace.

What is a microaggression? During this two-hour virtual training, FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson, attorney at law, will explain what microaggressions look like it in their various forms — microinsults, microassaults, and microinvalidations.

Whether intentional or not, microaggressions can be very hurtful to the employees who experience them, and such behaviors indicating implicit bias can lead to discrimination. They are warning signs of a potential hostile workplace. And they put a serious dent in employee morale and productivity.

Ms. Atkinson will also share an implicit bias test, explain its impact, and provide examples. She’ll provide a quick review of EEO law so you can determine when bias or microaggression leads to the level of discrimination.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify acts of microaggression and acts influenced by implicit bias.
  • Recognize and define harassment.
  • Respond appropriately and effectively when you see a microaggression in the workplace.

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

Class will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM eastern.

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 (register by July 5)
  • Standard Tuition: $325 (register July 6-13)
  • Rates per registrant.

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. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • 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. Group discounts are available until July 5.

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.

Jul
14
Thu
Webinar – What’s New in Leave 2022?
Jul 14 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

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, which allows 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.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Recognize appropriate uses of sick leave.
  • Determine who is eligible for FMLA and when.
  • Discuss eligibility and proper uses of Paid Parental Leave.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payment required by June 30)
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per webinar (payments made July 1 or later)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Jul
19
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Handling Threats of Violence in the Federal Workplace
Jul 19 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Shana Palmieri

Description

Violence is on the upswing across the country, and mass shootings have taken place at concerts, in shopping centers, in subways — and in workplaces. This violence and other stressors, such as inflation and lingering partisan bitterness about pandemic-related issues, have many people on edge at the same time that agencies are bringing employees back to the physical workplace, after over two years of isolation for many.

Join FELTG Instructor Shana Palmieri, LCSW, as she provides critical information about managing these workplace challenges, including vital guidance on responding to possible threats to self or to others, and practical, effective techniques to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations at Federal agencies.

Attendees will leave with answers to the following questions:

  • What warning signs do employees exhibit when they are considering violence?
  • What steps should you take if an employee threatens suicide or violence?
  • What are the agency’s options when the threat comes from someone outside the workplace such as a spouse, family member, or extremist?

Crisis management in the Federal workplace is a crucial area to understand — it truly is a matter of life and death. This session, held from 1:00-3:00 pm eastern, is too important to miss.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 (register by July 5)
  • Standard Tuition: $325 (register July 6 or later)
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 5. Contact FELTG.

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. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • 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.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • 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. Group discounts are available through July 5.

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.

Jul
20
Wed
Back on Board: Keeping Up with the New MSPB
Jul 20 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins

William Wiley

Description

After 5-plus years without a quorum, the MSPB is back. The Board has already been moving quickly to address a backlog of 3,600+ Petitions for Review, including several important federal workplace issues.

You’d better be able to keep up.

The good news: FELTG is here to help.

Join FELTG President Deborah Hopkins and Former President and Chief Counsel to the MSPB Chairman William Wiley as they identify the newest and most critical decisions coming out of MSPB. They will explain what those decisions mean for you and your agency, and examine the Board’s approach to non-precedential decisions, its focus on whistleblowers, and the other trends.

The Board has already started issuing decisions involving whistleblower reprisal claims and challenges to AJ authority under Lucia. They’ve also released decisions on important topics including:

  • New performance requirements in the wake of Santos v. NASA
  • Interpretation of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act
  • The new comparator employee framework
  • And more

There has never been a situation like this before, nor a time when this training has been as important. We’re reading every single new case, and can’t wait to share the takeaways with you. Plus, we’ll answer any questions you might have. You can’t afford to miss this event.

Class Time

The class will run from 1:00 – 3:00 pm eastern.

Pricing

  • Early Bird Tuition: $320 (payment required by July 5)
  • Standard Tuition: $350 (payments made July 6 or later)
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available until July 5. Contact FELTG.

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. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • 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.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • 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. Group discounts are available until July 5.

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.

Jul
21
Thu
Webinar – Reasonable Accommodation Framework: Disability Accommodation Overview and Analysis
Jul 21 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1

FELTG kicks off its five-part webinar series Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace with an overview of the the current state of disability law and how the ADA, ADAAA, and Rehabilitation Act apply to federal employees with disabilities. Before you can appropriately manage the complex reasonable accommodation requests you’re likely to receive in the next few months, you need a thorough understanding of the basics. Attendees will learn about:

  • Making disability determinations
  • What “qualified individual” actually means
  • Reasonable accommodation requests
  • The interactive process
  • Denials of reasonable accommodation
  • Reassignment and Medical Inability to Perform removals

Whether you’re an attorney, disability program manager, EEO or HR Specialist or a supervisor, you’ll want to be sure to attend this session.

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $250 per site, per session (payment made by July 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $280 per site, per session (payment made July 12 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars in the series by July 11 and pay only $1195!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, on a space-available basis.

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 course.

Jul
26
Tue
Making Performance Plans Work for Remote, Hybrid, and Onsite Employees
Jul 26 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

Performance appraisals. End of cycle ratings on tough-to-track elements. Discussing performance problems with employees. Taking defensible performance actions. Dealing with generic performance plans. Understanding when an issue is best dealt with through performance and when conduct would be a better answer.

If you really want to make performance a priority for your team, especially as you juggle the work of remote and onsite employees, as well as those working a hybrid schedule, then join us for this new half-day virtual training from FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga.

Ms. Haga will take the mystery out of how the system is supposed to work in the Federal government by helping you review your own performance plans to see what’s good and what needs tweaking. She’ll also explain understand appraisal system requirements, including documenting performance and the the importance of timely and effective feedback. Ms. Haga will review important concepts about developing workable performance plans and how to differentiate between conduct and performance matters. The session will include discussion of the necessary steps to take action on deficient. performance improvement plans, and will also guide you through challenging issues like managing a poor performer who requests reasonable accommodation.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by July 12): $355
  • Standard Tuition (register July 13 or later): $395
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 12. Contact FELTG.

 

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 individuals. Group discounts are available through July 12. 

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.

Jul
27
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Navigating the Return to the Post-pandemic Federal Workplace: Harassment, Reasonable Accommodation and Misconduct
Jul 27 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Deborah Hopkins Portrait

Download Individual Registration Form

Whether you’re ready for it or not, many employees are returning to the physical workplace in large numbers. Several agencies have already started the process, and others have hybrid work plans in place. Based on the early results, it’s not been an easy transition for most. And it sure as heck isn’t going to get easier anytime soon.

Rather than bringing people together to fight a common cause, the pandemic widened the deep politicization in this country, which, unfortunately, has filtered into workplaces. That conflict remains as employees return — a good number of them reluctantly. And the conflicts won’t automatically disappear, even if some employees work remains remote or evolves into hybrid.

Are you prepared to identify and handle expected increases in COVID-related reprisal and harassment? What about the expected in increase in reasonable accommodation requests? Or the potential for harassment and other misconduct?

This is the only Federal workplace-specific virtual training event that will address all of these employment law-related challenges, provide clear-cut guidance along with the appropriate framework for you to address these unique challenges. And FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will help you answer these perplexing questions:

  • Is harassing someone who doesn’t believe in COVID an EEO issue?
  • What parameters can employers set about COVID- and vaccine-related conversations in the workplace?
  • How do you accommodate an individual with long-haul COVID?
  • If an employee successfully performed remotely, must you grant his accommodation request for permanent telework?
  • Should you review all of the reasonable accommodations offered before employees return to the workplace?
  • What actions can you take against employees who refuse to return to the workplace after being ordered to report?
  • Can you discipline someone for publicly sharing their personal opinions about COVID restrictions?

Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about the unique problems you’re facing. The training will take place from 1 – 4 pm ET.

Learning objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Address any lingering vaccination exemption requests and handle testing appropriately.
  • Recognize pandemic-related retaliation that constitutes a legal violation.
  • Determine whether telework is an appropriate reasonable accommodation.
  • Appropriately address conduct issues related to COVID and/or the return to the physical workplace.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by July 13): $355
  • Standard Tuition (July 14 or later): $395
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 13. Contact FELTG.

 

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 individuals. Group discounts are available through July 13. 

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.

Jul
28
Thu
Webinar – The Importance of the Interactive Process 
Jul 28 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Bob Woods

Course Description

 1

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to reasonably accommodate qualified employees who have disabilities, as long as doing so doesn’t cause an undue hardship. Reasonable accommodations should be determined by the employee and the agency, through what those of us in the business call “the interactive process.”

This 60-minute webinar, the second in FELTG’s Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace series, will tackle what agencies need to know when they work with employees on reasonable accommodation, including practical applications and best practices on topics including:

  • Determining the essential functions of the job
  • Accommodations of choice: who gets to select the accommodation
  • Holding successful discussions with the employee

Whether you’re an attorney, disability program manager, EEO or HR Specialist or a supervisor, you’ll want to be sure to attend this session.

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $250 per site, per session (payment made by July 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $280 per site, per session (payment made July 12 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars in the series by July 11 and pay only $1195!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, on a space-available basis.

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.

Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Jul 28 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Bob Woods

Course Description

One of the most consistently challenging and complex areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, whether it’s to qualified individuals with disabilities, or for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs.

And that was the case before the pandemic.

Now understanding the intricacies of these important laws is trickier and more challenging than ever.

For the past several years, FELTG’s annual Reasonable Accommodation series has re-familiarized Federal supervisors, HR professionals, disability program managers, and EEO leaders with the critical foundations of disability law, as well as how to apply that foundation to the ever-changing Federal Workplace.

The series is back again for 2022 — updated and refreshed. Attendees will leave with the proper framework for providing accommodations for people who are entitled, while avoiding the pitfalls that lead to unwanted conclusions. Attendees will also learn how properly conduct an interactive process and legally deny telework as reasonable accommodation. The series wraps with a look at how the law differs for religious accommodation. Attend one session, or attend them all.

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

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation Framework: Disability Accommodation Overview and Analysis (July 21)

Session 2: The Importance of the Interactive Process (July 28)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (August 4)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make (August 11)

Session 5: Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodation (August 18)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $250 per site, per session (payment made by July 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $280 per site, per session (payment made July 12 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 11 and pay only $1195!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, on a space-available basis.

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.

Aug
2
Tue
Webinar – Promoting Inclusion: Pronoun Use and Gender Identity in the Workplace
Aug 2 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Program Description

Could use of pronouns or names that are inconsistent with an individual’s gender identity be considered discrimination or harassment?

Yes.

In certain circumstances.

Gender identity and related topics are so important that in June 2022 the EEOC introduced a nonbinary gender marker for people to use during the intake process, reasoning that “presenting only ‘male’ and ‘female’ options does not reflect the full range of gender identities.

In this 60-minute webinar, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain how and why proper pronoun use, name use, and recognition of employee gender identity in the workplace is more than just a liability issue for your agency. From the statutory bases through precedent-setting decisions on sexual orientation and gender identity, to President Biden’s Executive order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation, this issue is prevalent in every workplace in America.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Define key terms and concepts related to gender identity, including gender identity, confirmation, sex/gender stereotyping and more.
  • Recognize microaggressions and other harassment related to gender identity.
  • Identify situations when misuse of an employee’s pronoun would constitute sex-based discrimination and/or harassment.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $285 per site (payment required by July 18)
  • Standard Tuition: $315 per site (payments made July 19 or later)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Aug
3
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Hearing Advocacy: Presenting Cases Before the MSPB and EEOC
Aug 3 – Aug 4 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Whether you’re representing your agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there is one ultimate goal: Win the case. There is no other class that will prepare you better for these kinds of hearings. FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson is an experienced litigator. She will walk you through each step of the process from the acknowledgement order through your closing statement, to ensure that you meet that ultimate goal. 

On the first day, Ms. Atkinson will share strategies for developing a theory of the case, and offer guidance for the process including discovery, depositions, and motions practice. The second day will focus on developing the record, plus offer tips on litigation techniques to improve your skills – and make your position stand out. Ms. Atkinson will deliver the content in practical, useful modules that provide the student with the tools needed to effectively practice employment law and represent the client when it matters most.

This two-day special event will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time.

This program runs from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; Union Representatives.

Agenda

Wednesday, August 3

Developing a Theory: Strategies for developing a theory of the case; requesting and responding to written discovery requests (Interrogatories, Requests for Documents and Requests for Admissions); taking and defending depositions.

Thursday, August 4

Developing the Record: Pre-hearing submissions; opening statements; direct examination; cross examination; closing statements.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $355 per session, $690 for both sessions (register by July 15).
  • Standard Tuition: $395 per session, $750 for both sessions (register July 16 – August 4).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for 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.
  • 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?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is July 15.
  • 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.

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.

Aug
4
Thu
Webinar – Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation
Aug 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1

Before the pandemic, telework was one of the the most commonly requested accommodations for individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

After the success of two years of pandemic-induced remote work, you better believe that you’ll be getting even more reasonable accommodation requests for telework as employees are directed to return to the physical workplace. Are you ready to do the appropriate interactive discussion and analysis?

Join FELTG President and Attorney at Law Deborah Hopkins for a discussion on this timely topic, during the third event in our Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace webinar series. Ms Hopkins will detail the required three-step process for agencies to be compliant when dealing with reasonable accommodation requests.

From there, she’ll discuss:

  • What to do if telework would be an effective accommodation – but something else would work too
  • Who gets to choose the accommodation
  • What the EEOC says about accommodating an employee’s commute
  • When an agency can legally deny telework as an accommodation

Often times the best way to learn is by looking at real-life case studies, so the session will include a discussion on recent federal cases – won and lost – involving telework requests as reasonable accommodation. Because of the cost incurred when handling a reasonable accommodation complaint, your agency EEO staff, reasonable accommodation coordinators, disability coordinators, HR staff and supervisors truly cannot afford to miss this event.

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $250 per site, per session (payment made by July 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $280 per site, per session (payment made July 12 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars in the series by July 11 and pay only $1195!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, on a space-available basis.

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.

Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Aug 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Bob Woods

Course Description

One of the most consistently challenging and complex areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, whether it’s to qualified individuals with disabilities, or for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs.

And that was the case before the pandemic.

Now understanding the intricacies of these important laws is trickier and more challenging than ever.

For the past several years, FELTG’s annual Reasonable Accommodation series has re-familiarized Federal supervisors, HR professionals, disability program managers, and EEO leaders with the critical foundations of disability law, as well as how to apply that foundation to the ever-changing Federal Workplace.

The series is back again for 2022 — updated and refreshed. Attendees will leave with the proper framework for providing accommodations for people who are entitled, while avoiding the pitfalls that lead to unwanted conclusions. Attendees will also learn how properly conduct an interactive process and legally deny telework as reasonable accommodation. The series wraps with a look at how the law differs for religious accommodation. Attend one session, or attend them all.

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

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation Framework: Disability Accommodation Overview and Analysis (July 21)

Session 2: The Importance of the Interactive Process (July 28)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (August 4)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make (August 11)

Session 5: Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodation (August 18)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $250 per site, per session (payment made by July 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $280 per site, per session (payment made July 12 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 11 and pay only $1195!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, on a space-available basis.

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.

Aug
9
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Aug 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Marcus Hill, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Bob Woods, Joseph Schimansky

Course Description

Federal supervisors and advisers: Your time is valuable as ever, yet your challenges are changing — and growing.

FELTG’s annual supervisory training event returns in 2022 with a new look and focus. We’re still offering comprehensive training that expands upon legal principles to provide you with the necessary tools and best practices to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. But this time, we take a laser focus on sessions that specifically address the unique challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These monthly 60-minute webinars provide you with the legal foundation for managing distinct situations regarding performance and conduct accountability, reasonable accommodation, sick leave, harassment, and labor relations (for those of you who supervise bargaining unit employees). But the guidance provided will help you build the necessary framework to tackle other equally specific and challenging situations.

These sessions are held live and provide an opportunity to ask questions — and get answers — from FELTG’s experienced instructors.

2022 dates:

March 8: Understanding Performance vs. Misconduct: Is it a performance issue or a conduct issue? Knowing how to answer this question will allow you to take the appropriate action. This webinar will teach the distinction between performance and conduct; provide an overview on holding employees accountable; discuss the “can’t vs. won’t” conundrum; and set the stage for defensible discipline and performance actions.

April 12: Insubordinate Employee? Don’t Mess With the Wrong Elements: Ever have an employee who refused to follow your orders? What if the employee failed to follow the order, but you’re not sure if it was intentional? The first step to dealing with the issue is to understand the word “insubordinate” and its legal implications. Learn the factors that will help you determine the most effective way to take action against employees who disobey lawful orders.

May 10: The Roller Coaster Employee: Managing Up-and-Down Performance: You’ve undoubtedly seen it several times, and it’s always frustrating. An employee is put on a performance demonstration period (DP, PIP, ODAP – or whatever your agency calls it) and does well enough to stay in his position. But when the DP ends, his performance dips again. You don’t have to feel helpless. Learn the most effective way to manage wide swings in performance.

June 14: Reasonable Accommodation: The Interactive Process: An important step after an employee requests a reasonable accommodation for a disability and provides supporting medical documentation is to engage in the “interactive process” with the employee. This training will explain what that process entails, how supervisors should work with disability program managers and reasonable accommodation coordinators, and answer key questions, such as: How do you define undue hardship? How do you determine essential functions? Do I have to give an employee telework as an accommodation? And much more.

July 12: Effectively Handling Sick Leave Use and Abuse: Managing the uncertainty and increased workload when employees call in sick is a perennial challenge for Federal supervisors. Even more complicated is administering sick leave, considering the multiple uses and numerous family members covered. Learn the six authorized uses of sick leave, who is a family member for sick leave purposes, the potential signs of sick leave abuse and how to counsel the employee; and the actions you can take for sick leave abuse, providing false medical information, or excessive absences.

August 9: The New Hostile Work Environment:  As the pandemic raged and employees remained home, many thought that reprehensible harassing 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. Learn what hostile work environment entails, what you can do to prevent it, and how to take prompt and effective action when harassment is alleged.

August 23: Do I Need to Invite the Union to this Meeting? You know that there are certain types of meetings that require you to invite the union. But meetings happen every day, so does that mean the union has a right to be at every one? Which ones need to include the union? Learn what makes a meeting a formal discussion, the union’s rights and responsibilities when it comes to meeting, and what the union rep can and cannot do during the formal discussion.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 28).
  • Special series discounts available through February 28: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made March 1 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

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.

Aug
10
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Addressing Pregnancy Discrimination in the Federal Workplace
Aug 10 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

You may think pregnancy discrimination is rare. And you’d be wrong. The number of pregnancy discrimination claims filed with the EEOC has increased steadily over the last two decades, and is currently “hovering near an all-time high.”

Meanwhile, the increase in pregnancy discrimination has disproportionately impacted women of color.

The actions that lead to claims are varied. They including employees getting passed over for promotions, raises, physically demanding jobs, or risky assignments, being terminated; not being hired — all because the employee is pregnant.

Join Ann Boehm for this two-hour virtual training, where she will explain the purpose and coverage of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, discuss the cross-roads between FMLA and PPL, caregiver discrimination, and accommodation issues.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Who Should Attend

Federal supervisors and managers; attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO specialists; union representatives.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 per session (register by July 27).
  • Standard Tuition: $345 per session (register July 28-August 10).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.  Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available until July 27. 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for 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.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • 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?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is July 27.
  • 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.

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.

Aug
11
Thu
Webinar – Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make
Aug 11 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Course Description

Are you likely to outright deny a reasonable accommodation request for leave or a flexible work schedule? Do you think undue hardship is a viable reason to deny most reasonable accommodations? Do you think it’s the supervisor’s responsibility to determine if the individual is really disabled? Have you reached out to an employee’s doctor to find out more about his disability? If so, we have one word for you: Uh-oh.

Oftentimes the best way to learn is by making mistakes. But not when it comes to reasonable accommodation law. Instead, learn from the costly and embarrassing blunders that other agencies have already made. Attorney Ann Boehm will review recent EEO cases to share these mistakes so you know how to avoid them.

During this webinar, the fourth in FELTG’s Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace webinar series, attendees will learn:

  • What steps to take when an employee informs you of his or her disability
  • How to determine if telework would be an effective accommodation
  • When leave would be considered an accommodation
  • Whether long-term telework during the pandemic affects an agency’s processing of telework accommodation requests
  • Why undue hardship is rarely a successful defense for denying an accommodation request

Learn how to handle reasonable accommodation requests with confidence.

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $250 per site, per session (payment made by July 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $280 per site, per session (payment made July 12 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars in the series by July 11 and pay only $1195!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, on a space-available basis.

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.

Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Aug 11 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Bob Woods

Course Description

One of the most consistently challenging and complex areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, whether it’s to qualified individuals with disabilities, or for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs.

And that was the case before the pandemic.

Now understanding the intricacies of these important laws is trickier and more challenging than ever.

For the past several years, FELTG’s annual Reasonable Accommodation series has re-familiarized Federal supervisors, HR professionals, disability program managers, and EEO leaders with the critical foundations of disability law, as well as how to apply that foundation to the ever-changing Federal Workplace.

The series is back again for 2022 — updated and refreshed. Attendees will leave with the proper framework for providing accommodations for people who are entitled, while avoiding the pitfalls that lead to unwanted conclusions. Attendees will also learn how properly conduct an interactive process and legally deny telework as reasonable accommodation. The series wraps with a look at how the law differs for religious accommodation. Attend one session, or attend them all.

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

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation Framework: Disability Accommodation Overview and Analysis (July 21)

Session 2: The Importance of the Interactive Process (July 28)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (August 4)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make (August 11)

Session 5: Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodation (August 18)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $250 per site, per session (payment made by July 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $280 per site, per session (payment made July 12 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 11 and pay only $1195!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, on a space-available basis.

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.

Aug
15
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Workplace Investigations Week
Aug 15 – Aug 19 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

This week of FELTG training focuses on conducting administrative investigations in the federal workplace with an emphasis on employee misconduct including workplace harassment. After an overview of the substantive law, participants will learn procedures and best practices for conducting administrative investigations, including understanding what constitutes misconduct, the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment, planning the investigation, fact finding, collecting evidence, dealing with witnesses, understanding types of questioning, and testifying at hearing. The week concludes with a day focused on writing an investigative report.

Special content will also discuss conducting investigations post-pandemic, including tips for interviewing witnesses virtually, addressing safety concerns during in-person interviewing and evidence gathering, and more.

Note: this class includes breakout discussions and workshops, and attendees are encouraged to participate via audio. Because of the interactive nature of this program attendance is limited, so register early to guarantee your spot.

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

This program meets the requirements for training under the Department of Interior’s Anti-Harassment Policy.

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm

Daily Agenda

Monday, August 15

Administrative Investigations: The Substantive Basis: Why investigate; discipline law and elements; understanding charges of misconduct; collecting penalty evidence; law behind other types of administrative investigations; witness rights; union representation.

Tuesday, August 16

Harassment Investigations: Investigating allegations of harassment; differentiating between EEO and non-EEO harassment; the latest on LGBTQ+ discrimination; overlapping forms of discrimination.

Wednesday, August 17

Conducting the Investigation, Part I: Evidentiary principles; purpose of investigation; preparing for the investigation; role of the investigator; planning the investigation. beginning the interview.

Thursday, August 18

Conducting the Investigation, Part II: Conducting the interview; handling difficult witnesses; assessing credibility/lies/hearing what isn’t said; body language; gathering other evidence; technology and investigations; high profile case considerations; testifying at an administrative hearing; rules for being an effective witness.

Friday, August 19

Writing the Investigative Report: Organizing for the report; establishing the chronology; writing for your audience; report writing style; report writing conventions; report organization; sample report.

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 August 1):

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

Standard Tuition (register August 2-19):

  • 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 August 1.
Aug
16
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Nondiscriminatory Hiring in the Federal Workplace: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Aug 16 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

The federal hiring process is a challenging one that requires patience. Those who hurry the hiring process are not only likely to make a mistake in hiring, but they may also end up without sufficient documentation to combat a discrimination complaint, making the allegation difficult to defend against.

And there is NO excuse these days for having any steps in your hiring process that could be discriminatory. Per Executive Order, your agency should have already taken steps to “advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” and “eliminate, where applicable, barriers to equity, in Federal workforce functions.”

Regardless of where you are in the development of an agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) plan or whether your agency is even currently hiring, this half-day virtual training provides important guidance that you cannot afford to miss if you want to ensure your hiring practices are nondiscriminatory and align with the federal merit system principles.

FELTG instructor and attorney at law Katherine Atkinson will explain the types of interview questions that cause problems, and discuss selection panel roles and responsibilities, including ensuring the selecting officials implement best practices to develop and maintain evidence, demonstrating the non-selection was neither discriminatory nor retaliatory.

Attend from wherever you are working — agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 pm eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:30 – 3:00.

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

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $355 (register by August 2)
  • Standard Tuition: $395 (register August 3 or later)
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through August  2. Contact FELTG.

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. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • 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.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • 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. Group discounts are available through August 2.

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.

Aug
18
Thu
Webinar – Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodations
Aug 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Bob Woods

Course Description

1

When the vaccine mandate, which is now on hold for many agencies, was first being enforced, vaccine-hesitant employees filed reasonable accommodation requests to be exempt from the vaccine for religious reasons. It’s probably the most religious accommodation requests agencies have received in years.

Yet, unfortunately, there is still much confusion about the law. It’s different than the law for disability accommodation, and it’s important you know the distinctions. Join FELTG for the final session in the five-part Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace webinar series.

After a review of the relevant law and regulations law that pertain to religious accommodation, FELTG Instructor Bob Woods will discuss:

  • What religions qualify for accommodation
  • The definition of “undue hardship” and case examples
  • The most common accommodations for religion
  • Issues related to dress code and grooming
  • What to do when employees request to be excused from performing certain job tasks because of religious reasons

Whether you’re an attorney, EEO program specialist, HR specialist or manager, you’ll want to be sure to join us for this important session.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $250 per site, per session (payment made by July 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $280 per site, per session (payment made July 12 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars in the series by July 11 and pay only $1195!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, on a space-available basis.

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.

Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Aug 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Bob Woods

Course Description

One of the most consistently challenging and complex areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, whether it’s to qualified individuals with disabilities, or for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs.

And that was the case before the pandemic.

Now understanding the intricacies of these important laws is trickier and more challenging than ever.

For the past several years, FELTG’s annual Reasonable Accommodation series has re-familiarized Federal supervisors, HR professionals, disability program managers, and EEO leaders with the critical foundations of disability law, as well as how to apply that foundation to the ever-changing Federal Workplace.

The series is back again for 2022 — updated and refreshed. Attendees will leave with the proper framework for providing accommodations for people who are entitled, while avoiding the pitfalls that lead to unwanted conclusions. Attendees will also learn how properly conduct an interactive process and legally deny telework as reasonable accommodation. The series wraps with a look at how the law differs for religious accommodation. Attend one session, or attend them all.

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

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation Framework: Disability Accommodation Overview and Analysis (July 21)

Session 2: The Importance of the Interactive Process (July 28)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (August 4)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make (August 11)

Session 5: Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodation (August 18)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $250 per site, per session (payment made by July 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $280 per site, per session (payment made July 12 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 11 and pay only $1195!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, on a space-available basis.

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.

Aug
23
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Aug 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Marcus Hill, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Bob Woods, Joseph Schimansky

Course Description

Federal supervisors and advisers: Your time is valuable as ever, yet your challenges are changing — and growing.

FELTG’s annual supervisory training event returns in 2022 with a new look and focus. We’re still offering comprehensive training that expands upon legal principles to provide you with the necessary tools and best practices to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. But this time, we take a laser focus on sessions that specifically address the unique challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These monthly 60-minute webinars provide you with the legal foundation for managing distinct situations regarding performance and conduct accountability, reasonable accommodation, sick leave, harassment, and labor relations (for those of you who supervise bargaining unit employees). But the guidance provided will help you build the necessary framework to tackle other equally specific and challenging situations.

These sessions are held live and provide an opportunity to ask questions — and get answers — from FELTG’s experienced instructors.

2022 dates:

March 8: Understanding Performance vs. Misconduct: Is it a performance issue or a conduct issue? Knowing how to answer this question will allow you to take the appropriate action. This webinar will teach the distinction between performance and conduct; provide an overview on holding employees accountable; discuss the “can’t vs. won’t” conundrum; and set the stage for defensible discipline and performance actions.

April 12: Insubordinate Employee? Don’t Mess With the Wrong Elements: Ever have an employee who refused to follow your orders? What if the employee failed to follow the order, but you’re not sure if it was intentional? The first step to dealing with the issue is to understand the word “insubordinate” and its legal implications. Learn the factors that will help you determine the most effective way to take action against employees who disobey lawful orders.

May 10: The Roller Coaster Employee: Managing Up-and-Down Performance: You’ve undoubtedly seen it several times, and it’s always frustrating. An employee is put on a performance demonstration period (DP, PIP, ODAP – or whatever your agency calls it) and does well enough to stay in his position. But when the DP ends, his performance dips again. You don’t have to feel helpless. Learn the most effective way to manage wide swings in performance.

June 14: Reasonable Accommodation: The Interactive Process: An important step after an employee requests a reasonable accommodation for a disability and provides supporting medical documentation is to engage in the “interactive process” with the employee. This training will explain what that process entails, how supervisors should work with disability program managers and reasonable accommodation coordinators, and answer key questions, such as: How do you define undue hardship? How do you determine essential functions? Do I have to give an employee telework as an accommodation? And much more.

July 12: Effectively Handling Sick Leave Use and Abuse: Managing the uncertainty and increased workload when employees call in sick is a perennial challenge for Federal supervisors. Even more complicated is administering sick leave, considering the multiple uses and numerous family members covered. Learn the six authorized uses of sick leave, who is a family member for sick leave purposes, the potential signs of sick leave abuse and how to counsel the employee; and the actions you can take for sick leave abuse, providing false medical information, or excessive absences.

August 9: The New Hostile Work Environment:  As the pandemic raged and employees remained home, many thought that reprehensible harassing 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. Learn what hostile work environment entails, what you can do to prevent it, and how to take prompt and effective action when harassment is alleged.

August 23: Do I Need to Invite the Union to this Meeting? You know that there are certain types of meetings that require you to invite the union. But meetings happen every day, so does that mean the union has a right to be at every one? Which ones need to include the union? Learn what makes a meeting a formal discussion, the union’s rights and responsibilities when it comes to meeting, and what the union rep can and cannot do during the formal discussion.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 28).
  • Special series discounts available through February 28: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made March 1 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

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.

Aug
29
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Federal Workplace 2022: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends
Aug 29 – Sep 1 all-day

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.
Sep
7
Wed
Virtual Training Event – UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct
Sep 7 – Sep 8 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant empowers federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the federal workplace. We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the tools to effectively address poor performance and misconduct, should the need arise.

Over the course of two half-days, UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. The program also covers the very latest with Executive Order 13839, plus OPM regulations on performance and conduct.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working – agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Registrants for both days will also receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Federal Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th Ed., by William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins.

This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Who Should Attend

Federal supervisors and managers; attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO specialists; union representatives.

Agenda

Wednesday, September 7

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; the five elements of discipline; off-duty misconduct; penalty defense and due process.

Thursday, September 8

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Discipline procedures and appeals; disciplinary documents; defining unacceptable performance; dealing with poor performers; performance-based removal procedures.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $390 per session, $720 for both sessions (register by August 23).
  • Standard Tuition: $420 per session, $750 for both sessions (register August 24-September 8).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for 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.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • 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?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is August 23.
  • 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.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by August 23 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after January 25 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Sep
8
Thu
Webinar – The Why, When, and How of Whistleblower Reprisal Under the New MSPB
Sep 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Bob Woods

Course Description

The new MSPB quorum is working its way through the vast backlog of cases, and it has become clear that they’ve made whistleblower cases a priority.  Over the course of 60 minutes, Attorney and FELTG instructor Bob Woods will share everything you need to know about whistleblower reprisal – the standards, burdens of proof, and actions that constitute reprisal. Plus, he’ll discuss how to defend your agency against the inevitable whistleblower reprisal allegation, and discuss the recent MSPB decisions.

Mr. Woods will also provide BONUS content — synopses of all of the new MSPB’s whistleblower decisions up to this point.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Handle whistleblower disclosures that turn out to be false.
  • Recognize what constitutes whistleblower reprisal, and how to avoid it.
  • Discipline a whistleblower for misconduct unrelated to whistleblowing.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payment required by August 29)
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per webinar (payments made August 30 or later)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Sep
12
Mon
Virtual Training Event – MSPB Law Week
Sep 12 – Sep 16 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

The Board is back and now is the right time to sharpen your MSPB skills and refresh your knowledge.

And in the five years since MSPB last had a quorum, the civil service world, particularly as it applies to employee relations, has not stood still. Change happened, sometimes quickly. It’s important to be aware of the laws, regulations, and executive orders that apply to you .

There is one place you can consistently get the best guidance and most up-to-date information you need. MSPB Law Week covers the legal requirements and best practices for disciplinary charges and penalties, plus understanding the law and strategy in handling performance cases and defending against whistleblower reprisal complaints. Join top MSPB practitioners and topic authors, and learn the law, strategies, and techniques from their many years of combined experience.

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

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Bob Woods

Daily Agenda

Monday

The Foundations of Accountability; Adverse Actions: Statutory basis including the Civil Service Reform Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, the five elements of every disciplinary case and the burdens of proof, the fundamentals of penalty selection and defense, discipline procedures and appeals.

Tuesday

Disciplinary Charges: Types of charges, parts of a charge, how charges are interpreted, the role of the proposing and deciding officials, capitalizing on the general charge, allowing the inclusion of lesser-included offenses, charging in the alternative, attractive options to difficult charges and common charging mistakes, proving the difficult “intent” charge element, a step by step approach to charge drafting.

Wednesday

Penalties: MSPB and Federal Circuit lead cases in penalty determination, getting “intent” penalties off of “non-intent” charges, proving harsh penalties off of vanilla charges, charging down and proving up, how the maximum penalty is established, penalty mitigation; law enforcement officer discipline.

Thursday

Unacceptable Performance: Performance actions in perspective, drafting a defensible performance standard, documenting and justifying your decision to put an employee on a Performance Demonstrating Period (DPs, formerly known as PIPs), implementing DPs, defeating the DP rollercoaster; the proof needed to take a performance-based action; removing a poor performer in 31 days.

Friday

Defending Against Whistleblower Reprisal Claims and other Affirmative Defenses: Whistleblower claims: protected disclosures and whistleblower reprisal, claims of harmful error, reprisal for union activity, excessive penalty findings.

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 August 29):

  • 5 days = $1525
  • 4 days = $1245
  • 3 days = $960
  • 2 days = $680
  • 1 day = $395

Standard Tuition (register August 30-Sept. 16):

  • 5 days = $1600
  • 4 days = $1325
  • 3 days = $1015
  • 2 days = $725
  • 1 day = $445

Seminar registration includes a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive your copy of the textbook by the training date, please register by August 29 and provide a shipping address in the designated space on the registration form.

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 August 29.

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.

Sep
19
Mon
Virtual Training Event – EEOC Law Week
Sep 19 – Sep 23 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

An increase in reasonable accommodations requests based on religion and disability.  Pandemic-related civil rights crises. Increased discussion of diversity and inclusion. Way too many harassment complaints. Talk of changes to the EEO process. If you’ve thought about registering for FELTG’s EEOC Law Week in the past, now is the time to act on it. This weeklong virtual training is updated for 2022, including the latest on COVID-related challenges and workplace harassment.

This in-depth training overs the gamut of EEO issues, and provides usable guidance for all practitioners, regardless of experience level. FELTG’s expert speakers, drawing on years of experience from all sides of the litigation table, deliver a fast-paced week of strategies, principles, and authorities relative to the major aspects of the field of discrimination law in the federal government.

And it provides the required material for EEO counselors and investigators to receive refresher training hours

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

3.5 per day.

Download Individual Registration Form

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; EEO counselors and investigators; reasonable accommodation coordinators; federal supervisors and managers who have complicated EEO issues in the workplace; Labor and Employee Relations specialists; union representatives.

Instructors

TBD

Daily Agenda

Monday, September 19

Basic EEOC: Nuts & Bolts: Course topics: Statutory authority and jurisdiction of EEOC; an overview of the theories of discrimination; overview of the EEO process; amended and consolidated complaints; timeliness issues in the wake of the Supreme Court decisions in Morgan and Ledbetter.

Tuesday, September 20

Contractor Complaints; Intentional Discrimination and Reprisal Cases: Course topics: The agency’s role and obligations when a contractor files an EEO complaint; intentional discrimination analysis and cases; selection and promotion cases; reprisal analysis and case updates.

Wednesday, September 21

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities: Course topics: The Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, defining individual with a disability, understanding major life activities and substantial limitations; identifying essential job functions; the legal requirements for the interactive process; types of reasonable accommodation; the latest on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and relevant regulations.

Thursday, September 22

Current Trends in EEO Law: A Focus on Harassment: Course topics: The very latest on what’s happening in EEO; hostile environment harassment; gender stereotyping; same-sex harassment; recent court decisions on sexual orientation and transgender discrimination including the SCOTUS decision Bostock v. Clayton County; non-EEO harassment; settling EEO cases.

Friday, September 23

Mixed Cases; Damages & Remedies: Course topics: Understanding the world of mixed cases; overview of equitable remedies: back pay, front pay, reinstatement; non-pecuniary and pecuniary damages; past and future damages; damages offsets; the duty to mitigate damages; collateral sources and pre-existing conditions; multiple causations of harm; the eggshell complainant.

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.
  • 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.

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.

Virtual Training Event – FLRA Law Week
Sep 19 – Sep 23 all-day

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.

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