SUPPORT OUR FEDERAL WORKERS:

HERE IS A NEW LEGAL DEFENSE FUND

CREATED BY LEADING UNIONS

The Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network is a newly established initiative to provide free legal assistance to federal employees affected by recent mass layoffs and alleged unlawful terminations under the Trump administration. This network connects federal workers with pro bono attorneys to help them understand and assert their rights.

Background and Purpose

In response to widespread reductions in the federal workforce—driven by President Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk—thousands of federal employees have faced layoffs, buyouts, or dismissals. Many of these actions have raised concerns about potential violations of employment rights. To address this, a coalition of labor unions and advocacy groups launched the Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network on April 16, 2025. The initiative is led by the AFL-CIO, AFGE, NFFE, NTEU and We The Action, among others.

Services for Federal Workers

The network offers the following support to federal employees:

Free Legal Consultations: Eligible workers can receive a 15- to 20-minute screening call, followed by a one-hour pro bono consultation with a trained attorney.

Legal Resources: A comprehensive library of materials is available to help workers understand their rights, including guidance on prohibited personnel practices, unemployment compensation, and workplace discrimination.

Confidential Support: The network provides confidential assistance through a dedicated email channel for those facing potential criminal concerns related to their employment.

(It's important to note that while the initial consultations are free, any further legal services beyond the one-hour consultation may be subject to fees to be agreed upon between the worker and the attorney.)

Opportunities for Legal Professionals

Attorneys interested in supporting federal workers can join the network by:

Volunteering: Providing pro bono legal services to affected federal employees.

Training: Participating in specialized training sessions to better assist workers with employment-related legal issues.

Resource Access: Utilizing the network's resource library to stay informed on relevant legal matters.

Supporting the Initiative

Individuals can support the Rise Up network by:

Donating: Contributions help fund the training of attorneys and the provision of legal services to federal workers.

Spreading the Word: Sharing information about the network with federal employees and legal professionals who may benefit from or contribute to the initiative.

For more information, to contribute, or to seek assistance, visit the official website: workerslegaldefense.org