The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an independent agency of the United States government. It was established to protect the rights of federal employees and ensure that they are treated fairly in the workplace. The MSPB reviews appeals from federal employees who believe they have been unjustly treated in matters such as employment actions, disciplinary actions, and performance evaluations. The MSPB also plays a crucial role in promoting merit-based employment practices within the federal government. It conducts studies and reports on issues related to federal workforce management, helping to ensure that hiring and promotion decisions are based on qualifications and performance rather than favoritism or discrimination.