Social Security Disability Insurance

The federal government provides disability benefits to workers through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, which is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To be eligible to receive SSDI benefits, a worker must have worked for a certain number of calendar quarters. The SSDI benefit is calculated on the basis of the age of the employee and the employee's earnings record and is adjusted annually to account for cost of living increases. SSDI payments commence after a five-month waiting period.

Arbitration -- Labor Disputes -- Pre-Arbitration Issues

When a labor dispute arises between an employer and a union, arbitration is often the preferred method of resolution. Once it is determined that an issue needs to be arbitrated, there are a number of factors to consider before the actual arbitration hearing takes place.

Workers' Compensation Overview

Under modern workers' compensation statutes, lengthy court battles and unfair burdens on employees are generally avoided. The statutes provide coverage to employees for accidental injuries that "arise out of and in the course of" employment. No assessment of "fault" is required.

Arbitration and Grievance Procedures under the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute

Background

The No Fear Act

Prompted by a concern that "chronic" problems with discrimination and retaliation against federal employees existed, Congress passed the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002, also known as the No Fear Act, to protect federal employees from these illegal practices. Essentially, the No Fear Act seeks to ensure that federal agencies are held accountable for violations of anti-discrimination and whistleblower protection laws.