Pay & Benefits
OPM authorizes higher pay for hard-to-fill jobs
Regulations seek to boost agency use of underutilized pay flexibility.
Pay & Benefits
OPM publishes final rules for dental, vision program
Notice stipulates that employees cannot be denied enrollment or coverage due to a preexisting dental or vision condition.
Oversight
Labor group highlights candidates’ differences on federal employee issues
Views on bargaining rights for airport screeners and contracting show important distinctions between Obama and McCain, AFL-CIO political director says.
Pay & Benefits
OPM proposes cost-of-living changes for Alaska and Puerto Rico
Alaska workers would see another decrease while Puerto Rico allowances would continue to rise.
Pay & Benefits
Potty parity: First Democrats, then bureaucrats?
Denver convention facility provides more toilets for women to reduce waiting times; legislation is pending in Congress that would mandate a similar approach in federal buildings.
Pay & Benefits
Unexcused employee absences on the rise, senator says
Since 2001, nearly 300,000 federal employees have been absent without leave for some period of time, study shows.
Pay & Benefits
Defense to probe fairness of pay for performance system
Department is in the early stages of analyzing data from the National Security Personnel System to suss out any disparities based on age, race or gender.
Pay & Benefits
Opening SAMBA
A venerable health plan, once restricted to law enforcement employees, is now available to all feds and retirees.
Oversight
Equal employment report shows mixed success
Federal workers file fewer complaints, but agencies pay more in damages.
Oversight
Hurricane Fay reminds managers of emergency workforce flexibilities
Direct hiring authority, premium pay for employees are among several options available to agencies during a crisis.
Pay & Benefits
Silent Treatment
The presidential candidates have been mum on the campaign trail about the future of the federal workforce.
Oversight
House majority leader calls for expanding alternative work schedules
Maryland Democrat asks OPM for guidance on motivating agencies to adopt a four-day, 40-hour workweek by October.
Defense
Obama emphasizes VA role in caring for vets
Democratic presidential candidate favors job training for veterans, more outreach to their families.
Defense
Defense to test run foreign language corps
Department is seeking individuals fluent in 10 critical languages to serve the government in times of emergency or international need.
Defense
McCain pledges to expand health care options for veterans
Republican presidential candidate says access cards would not replace VA system.
Pay & Benefits
TSP assets safe if company that manages plan goes under
Board notes success of life-cycle funds, eyes Defense plan for automatic contributions.
Pay & Benefits
Presidential candidates’ management agendas -- or lack thereof -- scrutinized
Government observers urge McCain and Obama to prepare appointees to work with civil servants, address federal pay issues.
Defense
Transfer of technical jobs will test Army’s workforce planning
Defense strategy for moving work down the East Coast is solid, but implementation will be tricky, GAO says.
Pay & Benefits