[exDemMom]

Does anyone know how this system really works. IF you want to fire these people but can’t because of the Union or whatever rule is in place..can you put them anywhere you want..just as long as they stay employed? Can you transfer them out of DC and not get a lawsuit slapped on you?

From what I understand of hiring practices, you can fire someone if their position has been cut and no longer exists. They have the right to apply for a transfer to another position in the government, but they are competing with other government employees for that position.

You can fire someone if they are not doing their job and you can document it. That is, you counsel them on what they are not doing (and document it), come up with a plan for them to rectify their behavior, and fire them if they do not follow the plan. It is a lengthy process. The laws about firing people are pretty strict, actually--after reading them, I get the impression that government employers could legally fire more people, but don't for whatever reason.

And the employer has the right to transfer any employee to any position for which the employee has the skills and the employer has the need. I'm not certain about the moving part.

[American in Israel]

Another way to fire them is for a crime committed on the job, malfeasance. Which is the obvious reason the are fleeing the scene.