Oversight

Obama's promise to cut middle managers won't be easy to keep

President adds complexity to the objective by committing to move managers to the front lines.

Oversight

SSA chief says financial crisis is increasing claims backlog

Commissioner blames the tough economy for inflating the disability claims caseload by 10 percent.

Pay & Benefits

Federal unions praise Obama labor directives

Three orders regulate the actions of government contractors and a fourth applies to all workplaces.

Pay & Benefits

The Check Isn’t in the Mail

The wait for your first retirement check -- make that your first direct deposit -- can be a long one.

Pay & Benefits

VA faces shortage of employment counselors for veterans

Staff and caseload levels rely on outdated targets, says report.

Pay & Benefits

Pay-for-Performance Pointers

Management group offers recommendations for improving federal salary system.

Pay & Benefits

USDA to debut pay-for-performance project

New system will reduce salaries to offset locality increases for underperformers.

Oversight

Breach of federal jobs site highlights need for contractor liability, security observer says

Hacked information could be used for targeted phishing attacks and other scams.

Pay & Benefits

TSA employees give management low marks

But 2008 internal survey shows more positive attitudes than in previous years toward promotions process, pay for performance.

Pay & Benefits

It Pays to Know

Tips for tough economic times on how to boost your current income or your retirement savings.

Pay & Benefits

Lawmakers reintroduce paid parental leave bill

Measure calls for four weeks of paid leave for federal employees for the birth or adoption of a child.

Pay & Benefits

Skilled Labor

If agencies want employees with leadership skills and language abilities, they should be willing to pay for it.

Oversight

Obama issues sweeping ethics orders

White House staff subject to strict rules on gifts, interaction with lobbyists; civil servants face more scrutiny as well.

Pay & Benefits

Obama freezes pay for senior White House staff

President plans to hold level the salaries of about 100 employees who make more than $100,000 annually.

Pay & Benefits

Feds could gain champion for domestic partner benefits

Nominee apparent to lead OPM made significant changes to gay rights policies during his tenure at Interior under Clinton.

Pay & Benefits

Asian-American employees underreport discrimination, report finds

EEOC says stereotypes prevent advancement to senior ranks in agencies.

Defense

Defense finalizes changes to NSPS hiring, promotion rules

Rules authorize use of direct-hire authority, temporary appointments and alternative promotion procedures for personnel system.

Pay & Benefits

Changes You Can Believe In

A rundown on specific changes in pay and benefits this year that will affect your retirement.

Pay & Benefits

OPM to modify senior executive selection process

Move comes after successful run of a pilot project that did away with lengthy application narratives.

Pay & Benefits

GSA lowers mileage reimbursement rate for 2009

Rate dips 3.5 cents to 55 cents per mile.