Hatch Act Violation Examples
The hatch act of 1939 also referred to as the act to prevent pernicious political activities is a federal law that prevents certain federal employees from engaging in some types of political activity.
Hatch act violation examples. Definition and examples of violations the hatch act is a federal law that restricts the political activity of executive branch employees of the federal government district of columbia government and some state and local employees whose salaries are paid for partially or entirely with federal money. Detailed description of the alleged hatch act violation including names and contact information of potential witnesses and whether for example the election at issue is partisan meaning the candidates are running as political party candidates in addition for allegations involving a state d c or local government employee include. The penalty structure for violations of the hatch act by federal employees includes removal from federal service reduction in grade debarment from federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years suspension reprimand or a civil penalty not to exceed 1 000.
For instance an offending employee could face suspension without pay for violating the hatch act. The penalties under this act are extremely harsh and can even include immediate termination. The hatch act is a federal law that restricts the political activity of executive branch employees of the federal government district of columbia government and some state and local employees whose salaries are paid for partially or entirely with federal money.
The likelihood that a typical federal worker would get away with a blatant hatch act violation is low. The hatch act aims to keep politics out of federal workplaces by prohibiting workers from engaging in political activity while on duty while wearing a uniform while on federal property or while inside a federal vehicle. It went into law on august 2 1939.
Federal employees facing discipline for hatch act violations are still entitled to due process and legal representation like those facing any charge of misconduct. The postal service is again educating employees about the hatch act by providing examples of co workers who broke the law. Federal workers need to pay particular attention to the hatch act and the osc fact sheets during this election season.
Break the law and there is a good chance you will be fired. Over the years examples of hatch act penalties that a federal employee could face for violating the law have varied. At the state level the hatch act has been significantly revised over time in accordance with the statutes for each particular state.
