Oversight
From Nextgov.com: FAA urges airlines to be clear on personal tech use in cockpit
Crew members are required to refrain from ‘performing nonessential duties’ during takeoffs and landings, but new notice asks carriers to set policies for the use of cell phones, laptops and other devices during flights.
Defense
Half of employees will be off NSPS by end of June
Last payouts under the pay-for-performance system averaged 4.26 percent for workers who received ratings of 3 out of 5 or better.
Oversight
Strategy for boosting acquisition workforce is a step forward, report says
Agency officials say OMB's requirements for submitting human capital plans are workable.
Pay & Benefits
Public servants honored next week
Six Obama administration officials host the week-long celebration of government workers.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Agencies urged to change workplace practices to attract young workers
In a study on the federal technology job market, the CIO Council suggests managers should beef up technology, flexible schedules and employee feedback to compete for computer specialists.
Defense
Survey: DHS employees enjoy work but view management warily
Respondents also reported concerns about perceived favoritism.
Oversight
SEC porn surfing draws Republican ire
Senior staff should have been focused on the financial sector’s problems, lawmakers say.
Oversight
USPS move to five-day delivery isn’t a done deal
Postal Service officials and lawmakers continue to debate how best to contain the agency’s huge labor costs.
Pay & Benefits
Senate votes to freeze pay for Congress
Lawmakers have not received a pay raise since 2009.
Defense
TSA is entering a new developmental phase, executive says
Security agency has moved from building operations to fine-tuning them for optimal performance, according to chief human capital officer.
Pay & Benefits
Hiring Hispanics for Higher-Paying Jobs
There’s some good news in the latest OPM report on Hispanics in government.
Pay & Benefits
Pay raises aren’t enough to lure would-be senior executives
Survey finds potential candidates might be scared away by concerns that extra responsibilities would damage their work-life balance.
Pay & Benefits
Burning Question: Where's the worst place to work for Uncle Sam?
A list of cities with the biggest drawbacks for federal employees.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Justices question public employees’ expectations of privacy
The Supreme Court hears arguments concerning government workers’ Fourth Amendment rights .
Pay & Benefits
Benefits payments will go paperless by 2013
Announcement comes alongside a proposal for several changes to the federal employee health insurance program.
Oversight
Revamped Thrift Savings website could be delayed until June
Load tests must be completed and multimedia features will be added as the project evolves, officials say.
Pay & Benefits
OPM will launch branding campaign, test lab to recruit new hires
Director John Berry says he has assembled a ‘cool team’ to work on making federal service a popular destination.
Oversight
Lawmakers announce initiative to increase diversity on Capitol Hill
After years of focusing on diversity in federal agencies, Congress looks in the mirror.
Oversight