Politics Have Been Ugly for Generations
Did you know the modern, merit-based civil service system is the direct result of a Presidential assassination? In 1881, President James Garfield was assassinated by an individual who thought he deserved a job in the Federal government, but was denied a position. Federal employment at that time was a “spoils system,” which meant that the political party in power gave public offices to its supporters, so most Federal jobs were not based on merit.
As a result of the assassination (and, as the story goes, in President Garfield’s memory) President Chester Arthur signed into law the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act on January 16, 1883, which among other things created the Civil Service Commission (the MSPB’s predecessor) and made it illegal to fire Federal employees because of their political activity. At least something good came out of a very hard time in our country’s history – and hopefully some good comes out of these challenging political times we’re enduring now.
In this month’s newsletter, we discuss Douglas factors 2 and 5, workplace intoxication and its impact on workers’ compensation claims, EEO reprisal challenges, accommodating stroke victims, and more.
Take care,
Deborah J. Hopkins, FELTG President