USGS RIFees Win Damages

The U.S. Geological Survey has a long and distinguished history, but one lasting blemish on its record was the "reduction in force" or RIF of 1995, when more than one-third of its work force was laid off. A peculiarly large proportion of those laid off were senior scientists. Allegations of age discrimination arose immediately. As I recall, one employee who began collecting and discussing evidence was unexpectedly promoted into a position in which he could no longer speak out. Eventually people went to court, and three weeks ago the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled for James Calzia and Chet Wrucke. Wrangling continues, but this landmark was reported in the San Francisco Chronicle, and a commenter added links to court documents. Apologies for those readers who consider this old news, but for many others the memories are fresh, and the damage to the agency's collegiality was lasting.