EDIT: added more context below. Has anyone dealt with something like this? I'm not sure what my options are.
DOGE layoff with inadequate severance. I've been dealing with this for about 6 months now and the situation isn't improving.
I have worked at this company for 5 years. My position is non-exempt and I do not have a written employment agreement beyond the standard offer letter.
Am I overthinking this or is this a real legal issue worth pursuing?
Have you tried reaching out to your state's bar association? They sometimes have free resources or mediation services.
Adding my experience: I was with a federal agency for 9 years. When the DOGE-related RIF came through, they gave us 30 days notice and offered 2 weeks severance — for NINE YEARS of service. No VERA/VSIP (voluntary early retirement or buyout) was offered even though those programs were available no cap.
What really bothers me: colleagues in the same office who were politically connected got transferred to other positions. Those of us who weren't connected got the RIF notice. Classic prohibited personnel practice?
Several issues here:
RIF procedures: Federal RIFs must follow 5 CFR Part 351 strictly. Retention standing is based on tenure, veteran status, length of service, and performance ratings — NOT political connections. If the RIF didn't follow proper competitive levels and retention registers, it can be challenged at the MSPB.
Prohibited personnel practices: If selections were based on political affiliation or connections rather than proper RIF procedures, that's a violation of 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(1). Report it to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).
VERA/VSIP: Agencies aren't required to offer early retirement buyouts during a RIF, but failure to offer available VERA/VSIP before conducting a RIF may indicate the agency was more interested in targeting specific employees than genuinely reducing force.
Timeline: You have 30 days from the effective date to appeal to the MSPB. Don't miss this deadline. Also file a complaint with OSC for the prohibited personnel practice allegation.