Understanding Management Directed Reassignment
A management directed reassignment (MDR) is not a new concept for agencies, but recent instances have been unexpected, coming "out of the blue."
When a federal employee receives an MDR, they are given little notice and a short time to make a potentially career-altering decision.
Best Course of Action
Attorneys specializing in federal workforce issues advise employees to ask numerous questions before making a decision.
Ask for the reporting structure. Ask for the duties and the job title, because in some of these letters that we’ve seen, they’ve got nothing.
According to Erik Snyder, counsel with Gilbert Employment Law, employees should inquire about the type of information they would want to know about their new role, such as job title and duties.
- Request the reporting structure
- Ask about duties and job title
Multiple DHS employees have received MDRs with no prior notice in recent weeks.
Author's summary: Employees should ask questions before making a decision on MDRs.