Employee Policy
Postal union pushes back on "red ink" story
Postal worker labor organizations are again pushing back against reports of financial losses across the massive delivery operation—reminding the public that the numbers are distorted by "faulty" accounting over impossible future retiree costs and other issues, all of which can only be remedied by the White House and Congress.
Employee Policy
Vaccine mandate, holiday travel loom at TSA
TSA has reported to us that it does not expect the upcoming vaccination deadline for feds to cause disruptions.
Oversight
IG: $400M Border Contract Awarded Properly, Though Investigators Met Roadblocks in Interviews
This was one of several contracts awarded under the Trump administration for the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
Workforce
Despite Calls for Delay, White House Says Feds' Vaccination Deadline Isn't Changing
Federal workers have until Monday to prove they are vaccinated against COVID-19 or seek an exemption.
Pay & Benefits
How to Save Money on Dental Care this Open Season
Federal employees have three options for saving on expenses.
Pay & Benefits
Biden Signs Wildland Firefighter Pay Reform Into Law as Part of Infrastructure Package
Some federal wildland firefighters could see up to a $20,000 increase in base pay, and their positions will shift to a new “wildland firefighter” occupational series.
Defense
Rising Inflation Is Beginning to Worry Pentagon Leaders
Higher salaries and more expensive weapons looming large as the Defense Department assembles next budget proposal.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Court Wins Lottery to Hear OSHA Rule Case; Agencies’ Top Management Challenges Involve COVID-19
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Army Recruiters on TikTok Dance Around Ban To Reach Gen Z
As threat worries subside, one sergeant has nearly half a million followers on the China-based app—and the Army wants her advice.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Open Season Tips and Tricks
Consumers’ Checkbook's Kevin Moss joins the podcast to discuss feds and health insurance choices.
Employee Policy
New DHS cyber talent system goes into effect
Agency officials estimate that around 1,000 of its 1,500 cyber vacancies could fit into the new scheme.
Employee Policy
Toxic workplace: Feds seek compensation
Over decades, feds at multiple departments and agencies were exposed to toxic chemicals at a complex of federal buildings in St. Louis. Now, after whistleblower accounts, scientific reports and help from a major federal employee union, those affected are seeing a ray of hope for receiving help with healthcare.
Workforce
Concerns Raised With TSA Staffing and Vaccine Mandate Ahead of Holiday Travel
Agency expresses confidence in its workforce but other officials warn disruptions are likely.
Management
Biden Taps Veteran Journalist to Lead Global Media Agency
Workforce management and boosting morale are ongoing challenges the agency is working to address.
Route Fifty
Cyber Insurance for Local Governments Costs More, Covers Less
More governments have cyber incident coverage than ever before, but the escalated risk of ransomware and cyberattacks means higher premiums, rising deductibles and greater scrutiny of security protocols.
Pay & Benefits
OPM to Offer Same-Sex Spouses Another Chance at Survivor Benefits
A new notice this week announced that the federal government’s HR agency is waiving the requirement that a widow or widower be married to a federal worker for nine months to be eligible for survivor benefits in some cases.
Nextgov
CISA Launches Government Cybersecurity Incident and Vulnerability Response Playbooks
The playbook stems from an executive order issued in May.
Nextgov
US Partnering with Israel to Counter Ransomware, Regulate FinTech
Israel’s NSO Group represents just one aspect of the country’s lively tech industry, which may be about to get another energizing jolt from its government.
Management
The Defense Department Fails Its Audit Again, But Officials Have ‘No Doubt’ It Will Eventually Pass
This was the fourth time the Pentagon completed an audit since it became a requirement in 1990.
Workforce