Do You Really Know How to Use the Douglas Factors?

It’s been over 40 years since we were all introduced to those 12 factors identified in the Merit System Protection Board’s landmark Douglas v. VA decision, the most cited case in Federal employment law history. Yet, look at any recent batch of MSPB decisions, and you’ll find continued confusion about how to appropriately determine a penalty. This class provides clarity from the Board about its current view on Douglas.

This class will review recent case law and highlight how agencies correctly use the Douglas factors and also how they have been misapplied. Get all your Douglas questions answered, such as: Do the factors go in the proposal or the decision? What do OPM regulations say about the Douglas factors? What’s the best way to prevent penalty mitigation? And more.

Learning objectives

  • Understand the Douglas factors principles.
  • Explain when and how to use each factor.
  • Avoid the too-common Douglas mistakes that will derail your case.

Training time

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET

Pricing

Early bird (register by Sept. 6, 2024)

  • $145

Standard (register through Oct. 8, 2024)

  • $195

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer?

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

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, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You 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 attending from an agency facility.

How do I receive a group discount?

Group discounts are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals by the early bird registration deadline. The group discount must be requested in writing with registration submission via email or fax.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation, and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24-hour advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.

Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations

Investigating harassment in your agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. This course provides a successful and effective approach to conducting legally sufficient harassment investigations that provide the agency with the information it needs, while withstanding third-party scrutiny.

Tuesday, Oct. 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

Today’s class explains the principles that underpin a successful investigation of employee misconduct, whether it’s on-duty or off-duty. Attendees will learn the five elements of discipline and understand how they relate to the misconduct investigation process. Plus, they’ll learn about evidence standards and burdens of proof in misconduct cases, how Douglas factors play into an investigation, the importance of nexus, what to do when a witness won’t cooperate, and much more.

Wednesday, Oct. 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

This class explains the proper role of the investigator and how you can avoid the pitfalls of an insufficient investigation with correct preparation and knowledge. It distinguished between EEO and non-EEO harassment claims. It also tackles the important questions about representation: Does the witness have the right to a representative? Does the union have a right to attend the interview – even if the witness doesn’t want the union there? What rights does agency management have? And more.

Thursday, Oct. 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

Learn the legal principles and proven guidance to navigate this critical and challenging part of harassment investigations – conducting the interviews and gathering relevant evidence. Attendees will leave the session with techniques for questioning, tools for reading body language, suggestions on how to handle difficult personality types, and tips for writing the fact-finding report (FFR) and report of investigation (ROI). Plus, learn how technology is changing the investigation process, including tips for conducting virtual interviews.

Learning objectives

  • Identify the relationship between the foundations of Federal accountability and harassment investigations.
  • Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the impact that has on the investigation’s legal sufficiency.
  • Identify witness rights and management rights.
  • Properly handle challenging witnesses.
  • Write a thorough report of investigation.

Training time

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm ET each day

Pricing

Early bird (register by Sept. 1, 2024)

  • 3 days = $1,095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard (register through Oct. 3, 2024)

  • 3 days = $1,195
  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer? 

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

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, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You 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 attending from an agency facility.

How do I receive a group discount?

Group discounts are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event by the early bird registration deadline. The group discount must be requested in writing with registration submission via email or fax.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24 hours’ advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.

Setting the Bar: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility for FY 2025

This half-day training provides the foundation you need to jumpstart your DEIA efforts or take them to the next level. We’ll examine biases and microaggressions, review why DEIA is important, and discuss how to create an inclusive workplace.

You’ll leave this training session with what you need to know to about preventing and correcting harassment and discrimination in the workplace, as well as ensuring adherence to the merit system principles, especially as they apply to the hiring process. We’ll look at why and how some agencies are focusing on the concept of belonging and help you set appropriate DEIA goals for the next fiscal year.

Learning objectives

  • Identify the laws, regulations and Executive Orders that require your agency to promote DEIA in the workplace.
  • Understand legally problematic selection processes and learn remedies to overcome the imbalance.
  • Overcome the tendency to exhibit microaggressions in the workplace.

Training time

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm ET

Pricing

Early bird (register by Aug. 23, 2024)

  • $495

Standard (register through Sept. 24, 2024)

  • $595

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer? 

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

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, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You 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 attending from an agency facility.

How do I receive a group discount?

Group discounts are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals by the early bird registration deadline. The group discount must be requested in writing with registration submission via email or fax.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24-hour advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.

Absence, Leave Abuse and Medical Issues Week

Whether you’re an HR professional, Employee Relations practitioner, EEO specialist, supervisor, or agency counsel, you have undoubtedly faced a leave-related challenge or two. And chances are, you may have struggled with some of the more complicated scenarios. Leave and medical issues create a complex and seemingly burdensome issue, one often laced with emotion and intersecting – even conflicting – laws.

Monday, Sept. 23: Understanding Federal Leave Categories and Processes

During day one, we dive right into an overview of the Federal leave categories, covering everything from annual leave to parental bereavement to sick leave and leave without pay. The discussion will focus on which leave categories are discretionary and which are entitlements, and will identify the limitations on each type of leave.

Tuesday, Sept. 24: Leave-related Discipline and Medical Removals

Today’s class will provide you with the foundation for connecting employee leave abuse with discipline. You’ll leave with the knowledge of the documentation necessary to discipline employees and the tools to hold them accountable. Plus, you’ll learn approaches to remove an employee whose medical condition makes them unable to perform their job.

Wednesday, Sept. 25: Reasonable Accommodation: Entitlements and Processes

This session will tackle the often complicated intersection between leave and disability accommodation. You’ll come away with a grounding in reasonable accommodation and the tools necessary for determining whether leave, flexible work schedules, or alternative work locations are effective accommodations.

Thursday, Sept. 26: Medical Documentation, Medical Requests and Record Confidentiality

How do you make a decision on an employee’s request for accommodation without seeing his/her/their medical documentation? Who collects that information? Where does it go? And how do you determine if an employee with a medical condition is a direct threat? This training focuses on the correct handling and requesting of all things related to medical information, including medical exams and inquiries during the pre- and post-employment processes.

Friday, Sept. 27: Managing Telework and Hybrid Workers

Telework is not just one of the most commonly requested accommodations for individuals who have physical and mental disabilities – it’s also one of the most effective. If someone is going to work away from the office, however, you’re going to need to set expectations. This class will help you lay that groundwork.

Learning objectives

  • Identify the five elements of discipline and apply them to leave abuse scenarios.
  • Remove employees for excessive absence and medical inability to perform.
  • Determine whether to approve leave as a reasonable accommodation.
  • Appropriately request medical documentation.
  • Effectively manage the issues that arise among mobile and hybrid workers.

Training time

12:30 pm – 4:30 pm ET each day

Pricing

Early bird (register by Aug. 23, 2024)

  • 5 days = $1,695
  • 4 days = $1,465
  • 3 days = $1,095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard (register through Sept. 27, 2024)

  • 5 days = $1,795
  • 4 days =$1,5565
  • 3 days = $1,195
  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer?

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

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, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You 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 attending from an agency facility.

How do I receive a group discount?

Group discounts are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event by the early bird registration deadline. The group discount must be requested in writing with registration submission via email or fax.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24 hours’ advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.

FLRA Law Week

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

Monday, Sept. 16: Basic Management and Employee Rights

FLRA Law Week provides attendees with a firm foundation of the historical perspective and precedence of FLRA decisions. This first day of training includes an overview of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute along with a discussion of rights and responsibilities.

 Tuesday, Sept. 17: Labor Relations Meetings and Bargaining

Learn when meetings become formal discussions or Weingarten meetings, and what to do when an employee requests union representation. This session also covers official time, the collective bargaining process, and an introduction to negotiability.

Wednesday, Sept. 18: Unfair Labor Practices and Negotiability

5 U.S.C. § 7116(a) lists eight agency ULPs and 5 U.S.C. § 7116(b) lists eight labor organization ULPs. These ULPs will covered in full detail during the third day of FLRA Law Week. This class will also include discussion of employee rights vs. management rights, an overview of the Federal Service Impasses Panel, and negotiability appeals.

Thursday, Sept. 19: The Psychology of Bargaining, Plus Grievances and Emerging Issues

This class will cover the nuts and bolts of Federal sector negotiation, beginning with the election, the temperament, function, and preparation of the bargaining team. This class will also cover grievances, and exceptions to arbitration awards.

Friday, Sept. 20: Understanding the FSIP and Arbitration

Meet the Federal Service Impasses Panel – the members, procedures, roles, and jurisdiction. You’ll also receive an overview of arbitration, including how the Federal sector process differs from the private sector.

Learning objectives

  • Identify the fundamental rights for Federal employees, the union, and management.
  • Discuss how to properly handle information requests and official time requests.
  • Differentiate among the three categories of bargaining.
  • Understand negotiability regulations.
  • Compare interest-based bargaining to hardball bargaining.

Training time

12:30 pm – 4:30 pm ET each day

Pricing

Early bird (register by Aug. 16, 2024)

  • 5 days = $1,695
  • 4 days = $1,465
  • 3 days = $1,095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard (register through Sept. 20, 2024)

  • 5 days = $1,795
  • 4 days =$1,5565
  • 3 days = $1,195
  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer? 

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

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, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You 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 attending from an agency facility.

How do I receive a group discount?

Group discounts are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event by the early bird registration deadline. The group discount must be requested in writing with registration submission via email or fax.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24 hours’ advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.

EEOC Law Week

An increase in reasonable accommodation requests based on religion, disability, and pregnancy. A focus on DEIA. The usual areas of confusion, such as contractor complaints and mixed cases. FELTG’s EEOC Law Week runs the gamut of EEO issues, providing usable and up-to-date guidance for all practitioners, regardless of experience level.

Monday, Sept. 16: Basic EEOC: Nuts & Bolts

This class spells out everything you need to know to have a fundamental understanding of Federal EEO law and practice. We’ll guide you through each step of the process, discuss the statutory authority and jurisdiction of EEOC, provide an overview of the theories of discrimination process, and discuss timeliness issues in the wake of Morgan and Ledbetter.

Tuesday, Sept. 17: Contractor Complaints; Intentional Discrimination; Reprisal Cases

In certain circumstances, a contractor or independent consultant can be considered an agency employee for EEO purposes. This class will identify those circumstances, as well as the agency’s role and obligations when that contractor/employee files an EEO complaint. Today we’ll also analyze and discuss intentional discrimination, selection and promotion cases, and reprisal claims.

Wednesday, Sept. 18: Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

How do you determine if an employee has a disability? What does it mean to be a qualified individual? What exactly is the interactive process? After an overview of the statutory bases (the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Amendments Act), we’ll get down to the details and answer those questions and others, including those involving the legal requirements for the interactive process, types of reasonable accommodations, revisiting existing accommodations, and much more.

Thursday, Sept. 19: Current Trends in EEO Law: A Focus on Harassment

Get the very latest on what’s happening in the EEO world, especially as it applies to harassment. This class covers hostile work environment harassment including gender stereotyping, same-sex harassment, non-EEO harassment, and more. We’ll also look at recent court decisions on sexual orientation and transgender discrimination including the ongoing discussion and impacts of the 2020 SCOTUS decision Bostock v. Clayton County.

Friday, Sept. 20: Mixed Cases; Damages & Remedies

We’ll start the final day of EEOC Law Week by making sense of one of the most perplexing EEO issues – mixed cases. We’ll also cover back pay, front pay, reinstatement, non-pecuniary and pecuniary damages, past and future damages, damages offsets, the duty to mitigate damages, and multiple causations of harm, plus appropriate remedies in EEO findings.

Learning objectives

  • Recognize the theories of discrimination.
  • Identify the steps of the EEO complaint process.
  • Explain when and why employers are liable for workplace harassment.
  • Understand the disability accommodation process from start to finish.
  • Determine the appropriate remedy when there’s a finding of discrimination.

Training time

12:30 pm – 4:30 pm ET each day

Pricing

Early bird (register by Aug. 16, 2024)

  • 5 days = $1,695
  • 4 days = $1,465
  • 3 days = $1,095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard (register through Sept. 20, 2024)

  • 5 days = $1,795
  • 4 days =$1,5565
  • 3 days = $1,195
  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer? 

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

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, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You 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 attending from an agency facility.

How do I receive a group discount?

Group discounts are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event by the early bird registration deadline. The group discount must be requested in writing with registration submission via email or fax.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24 hours’ advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.

Clean Records, Last Rites, Last Chances, and Other Discipline Alternatives

Numerous pitfalls can derail an agency’s disciplinary action, whether it’s suspension, demotion, or removal – and even make a bad situation worse. The most “effective and efficient” approach isn’t always traditional disciplinary action.

This two-hour training will explain why, how, and when to use numerous alternative actions, including not just clean record agreements, but also last chance agreements, last rites agreements, paper suspensions, reprimands in lieu of suspensions, and more.

Learning objectives

  • Appropriately draft documents for alternative discipline.
  • Explain the difference between last chance agreements and last rites agreements.
  • Discuss the benefits of the reprimand in lieu of suspension.

Training time

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET

Pricing

Early bird (register by Nov. 12, 2024)

  • $345

Standard (register through Dec. 12, 2024)

  • $385

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer?

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

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, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You 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 attending from an agency facility.

How do I receive a group discount?

Group discounts are available for agencies registering 10 is available by the early bird registration deadline. The group discount must be requested in writing with registration submission via email or fax.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24 hours’ advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.