Route Fifty
Lessons from States that Embraced Telework Before the Coronavirus
COMMENTARY | How to avoid certain pitfalls now that many—or most—employees must now work from home.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: A Dire New Assessment, More Calls to Close National Parks
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Portfolios Plummet, and a Delay to the Annual Federal Morale Survey
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Nextgov
How Census Is Building a Citizenship Database Covering Everyone Living in the U.S.
By March 2021, the bureau plans to release anonymized statistics while keeping the raw data on individuals' citizenship status confidential.
Management
Viewpoint: Protect Dr. Fauci
Congress should act to ensure that directors of the various parts of the National Institutes of Health—of whom Anthony Fauci is one—cannot be fired for dissenting from the president’s views.
Tech
Can Better Airplane Boarding Procedures Slow the Spread of Coronavirus?
A new computer model offers a better way to understand how people move in tight spaces, which can affect how viruses spread.
Workforce
America’s Other Heroes: The U.S. Public Health Service
On a recent visit to San Antonio, I encountered a new example of selfless service.
Defense
Navy Evacuates Aircraft Carrier Infected by Coronavirus
"The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating,” Capt. Brett Crozier wrote to service leaders seeking urgent help.
Management
4 Tips to Protect Your Sleep in the COVID-19 Pandemic
With the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to get quality sleep, researchers warn.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: The Hazard Pay Lawsuit
Erich Wagner and Tom Shoop join the podcast to discuss what public servants need to know about the hazard pay lawsuit filed by five feds and AFGE.
Route Fifty
A State Tries to Chart its Economic Rebound From a Pandemic
Utah has drafted a plan meant to serve as a road map for both public health and economic policies during the coronavirus crisis.
Management
Federal Employee Union Sues Impasses Panel, Calls Its Appointment ‘Unlawful’
AFGE argues that the Trump administration violated the law in appointing anti-labor advocates to the Federal Service Impasses Panel, and that panel members should be subject to Senate confirmation.
Route Fifty
Amid Closures, Libraries Find New Ways to Provide Services
As their branches close to protect public health, librarians turn to virtual programming and relief efforts to continue serving their communities.
Management
Industry Groups Welcome Stimulus Provisions for Federal Contractors
Agencies may reimburse contractors for paid or sick leave if they can’t telework.
Management
OPM Offers Tips for Agencies to Help Teleworking Feds with Caregiving
The federal government’s HR agency encouraged agencies to be flexible with employees who have children or other relatives they must care for with school and other care facilities closed.
Workforce
Court Deals Major Blow to Trump's Signature Civil Service Reform Law
Ruling will put "structure" and "safeguards" in place for employee discipline law, attorney says.
Nextgov
FDA, NIH, VA Partner to Accelerate 3D-Printed Protective Gear for COVID-19 Response
The pandemic-driven outcomes could demonstrate what strategic interagency efforts around emerging technology can catalyze in rapid timeframes.
Oversight
‘I'll Be the Oversight,’ Trump Says as His Political Appointees Protect Wall Street, Real Estate
Banks, real estate investors and large corporations all got help even before President Donald Trump signed the COVID-19 stimulus package, as bank regulators quietly handed billions to Wall Street.
Management
There’s a Playbook for Implementing the CARES Act; Agencies Need to Follow It
We are going to see billions of dollars in new contract spending for both surge and ongoing requirements.
Route Fifty