NLRB counsel: I can't promise everything'll be OK. Put your plan into action.
Career advice from someone on the inside.
Jessica Rutter, Acting General Counsel for the National Labor Relations Board, sent an internal memo earlier today. Ken Klippenstein shared it on Bluesky.
Rutter wrote:
“I know that the past few days and nights have been extremely scary and distressing for some of us. I am writing to share the information that I have and to share some best practices that have been previously shared with me regarding how to survive what’s happening.”
She discussed the so-called “Fork in the Road” offer that was extended to all federal employees three days ago: either return to the office in-person, five days a week, as in pre-covid times, or else resign with a promise of eight months of full pay and benefits.
She maintains that, in her opinion,
“we are legally obligated to comply with the commitments the Agency has made in our collective bargaining agreements, with all of our legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including reasonable accommodation, and with all of our legal obligations under other EEO laws (e.g. EEO settlements).”
She continues:
“At this moment, no matter what I say there is uncertainty. I cannot promise you that everything is going to be OK. I can promise you that I will be standing with the employees of this Agency to effectuate our mission and because I know many of you personally, I know that you will be doing the same.”
Finally:
“Take a moment to think through what is helpful for you and put a plan into practice.”
