Employee Policy
GAO prods OPM to review pandemic hiring
A new Government Accountability Office report says that not compiling the lessons learned from special hiring authorities could "risk significantly hindering the government's ability to recruit, hire, retain and manage its current COVID-19 pandemic workforce as well as for future pandemics or emergencies."
Oversight
America’s Food Safety System Failed to Stop a Salmonella Epidemic. It’s Still Making People Sick.
For years, a dangerous salmonella strain has sickened thousands and continues to spread through the chicken industry. The USDA knows about it. So do the companies. And yet, contaminated meat continues to be sold to consumers.
Management
Lawsuit Challenges COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Federal Prisons Employees
This is the first challenge by a federal employee union.
Oversight
Sen. Ted Cruz Delays Dozens of President Joe Biden’s Ambassador Nominations, Stoking Feud Over National Security
Cruz has single-handedly delayed dozens of key State Department nominees in retaliation for a Biden decision to drop U.S. opposition to a Russian pipeline to Germany.
Workforce
Are You Really Smart, or Is It Just Google?
We may be losing the ability to perceive our own intelligence because we can quickly google the answer to just about any question.
Route Fifty
These Cities Raised Wages for Municipal Workers to $15 an Hour
To attract and keep employees in a tight labor market, some local governments are bumping up hourly pay.
Defense
Pentagon Will Add a Climate-Policy Czar
New post is intended to champion climate considerations inside and beyond the Department, Kahl says.
Workforce
Bill to Expand Union Rights for State and Local Workers Puts FLRA in Charge of Enforcement
It is unclear whether the Federal Labor Relations Authority would require additional resources to carry out its proposed new duties, as the agency faces an extensive existing case backlog and staffing crunch.
Nextgov
DISA Makes Headway in DEOS Cloud Migration
More than 100,000 users and counting are accessing new cloud-based capabilities.
Management
Eleven States Challenge Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate
The Justice Department and EEOC “have already determined that COVID vaccines can be mandated by employers,” said an OMB spokesperson.
Nextgov
GAO Sides With Microsoft in Massive NSA Contract Protest
NSA awarded the contract to Amazon Web Services in July.
Management
What Do Federal Workers Really Want?
New research sheds light on how to support and retain top talent.
Management
Senate Confirms Second Ever Woman Solicitor General, Who Represents Federal Government before Supreme Court
Elizabeth Prelogar clerked for now-Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, who was the first woman solicitor general. Her confirmation comes days before oral arguments on a Texas abortion ban.
Management
Lawmakers Look to Boost VA Research by Poaching From Other Agencies, Governments
VA would be better positioned to lead on issues like traumatic brain injury and PTSD, committee leaders say.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: The Vaccine Mandate Deadline Moves Closer
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss how unvaccinated feds will fare going forward.
Employee Policy
IGs look to expand investigative authority
Agency watchdogs are telling lawmakers that they want authority to subpoena former federal employees, contractors and other non-governmental witnesses, for testimony in IG probes
Employee Policy
Fed firefighters: Union wants better pay, support
Wildland firefighters serve in one of the most demanding and dangerous roles of all federal employees. A major union representing them is pressing for improvements in pay and other support for these crucial frontline workers.
Workforce
House Panel Advances Bill Protecting FAA Operations During Shutdowns
Bipartisan legislation would ensure the Federal Aviation Administration operates at full capacity during a lapse in appropriations by drawing money from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for up to 30 days.
Nextgov
National Cyber Director Explains Appointment of Federal CISO to His Office
The move comes amid confusion about the roles and responsibilities of various federal cybersecurity leaders.
Management