Hear Bill Wiley as he explores two complex and emotionally charged issues in federal employment law that often have a negative impact on the workplace when handled improperly: the Hatch Act and whistleblower reprisal.

It's critical that you train your agency employees on these issues to avoid potential liability — and embarrassment.

Your employees may accidentally and unknowingly violate the Hatch Act — which can result in their nearly automatic termination. In the first part of this audio conference, Mr. Wiley prepares you to explain and answer questions on political activity and Hatch Act compliance so your employees are aware of their restrictions in this election year.

Then Mr. Wiley prepares you to confidently explain “whistleblower reprisal” to managers — perhaps the most difficult defense that a federal employee can raise in any sort of disciplinary or performance action. He'll update you on legislation to enlarge whistleblower rights and explore the laws and policies that come into play when a federal employee seeks protection as a whistleblower.

In addition, Mr. Wiley walks you through the tricky situation of holding whistleblowers accountable when they engage in misconduct or have poor performance.

You'll also discover:

• What political activities federal employees can and cannot take part in
• What constitutes whistleblowing and what is not a "protected disclosure"
• How to suspend or terminate a whistleblower for misconduct or unacceptable performance that is unrelated to the act of making a protected disclosure
• If Hatch Act violators and whistleblower reprisers can be prosecuted by an outside entity that can result in termination, fines and a ban on future government employment