Show Notes
Episode 31 is out now! In today’s episode, we have a conversation regarding OPM Federal Disability Retirement with Erik Blowers (owner and managing attorney) and Rachel Klink (associate attorney) of IFW Law Group, a national law firm committed to providing the highest quality legal services for injured federal employees across the United States. With offices in both Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, IFW Law Group is a solid, proven practice with the experience, talent, professionalism, and confidence needed to provide quality representation that us federal employees deserve. Whether it be an OWCP compensation issue or assistance with a schedule award, third party liability claims, or OPM federal disability retirement, this law firm has you covered.
* To learn more about IFW Law Group, please visit their website or give them a call at:
Website: https://ifwlawgroup.com/ Phone: 704-607-8870
More from FedUp with Ron Speakman
In this episode, Ron Speakman breaks down his personal thoughts, opinions, and concerns surrounding NALC National Presidential Candidate Mike Caref, his campaign, his decision-making, and whether he is truly fit to lead.
In this episode, Ron delivers a direct and reflective message on truth, accountability, and transition. He addresses the realities of advocacy, the personal weight of speaking honestly, and the need to realign when purpose and sustainability are at stake.
Today’s episode spotlights Alex Sherman of Millennium Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, a trusted provider serving federal employees in the Bronx, NY, and surrounding areas. Millennium sets itself apart with its multilingual support and cultural and religious awareness, ensuring every patient is treated with dignity and respect. They also provide immediate treatment before a claim is accepted, customized therapy plans, advanced recovery techniques, and no out-of-pocket costs for federal employees injured on the job. This spotlighted interview shows how Millennium’s local impact connects to a broader partnership with purpose through One-Fed Injury Clinics and the FedUp Network of Resources, working together to deliver trusted care and support, expand access, and advance advocacy for meaningful change across the federal workforce, especially for those injured on the job.
Today, I sit down with Geoffrey and Zachary Shapiro from Shapiro Federal, a fourth-generation, family run law firm that has been standing with and fighting for injured federal employees since 1933. With over 90 years of experience, and more than 17,500 cases nationwide, Shapiro Federal is now the official legal resource within the FedUp Network of Resources, representing federal workers in OWCP claims, Schedule Awards, ECAB appeals, wrongful terminations, and more. Together, we dive into a whole host of topics, including the lack of accountability across the federal system, the gaps in enforcement, and what it really takes to secure justice when the system is stacked against you. This isn’t about theory, it’s about solutions, strategy, and the legal power every federal employee should know they have on their side.
In this episode, retired city letter carrier Tina Schmerbach shares her four-year battle through corruption, cover-ups, harassment, and betrayal inside the USPS and NALC. From local branch failures to national leadership neglect, from Postal Inspectors ignoring threats, to law enforcement, a district attorney, and politicians looking the other way, Tina’s story reveals how broken the system truly is. Backed by receipts—texts, emails, and voicemails—her journey exposes not just neglect of duty, but the devastating impact of dismissing mental health in the workplace. This isn’t just a story. It’s a wake-up call!