Pay & Benefits
Supreme Court: Feds can challenge MSPB decisions in federal district court
Justices say government’s argument was too convoluted.
Management
23,600 employees accept Postal Service buyouts
Separation incentives are part of ongoing workforce reduction effort as lawmakers continue to pursue reforms.
Pay & Benefits
Federal employee advocates to Congress: Don’t cut workers’ comp
Senate has proposed trimming benefits to retirement-age former employees receiving benefits due to on-the-job injury.
Management
Agencies warn of furloughs, hiring freezes
Planning intensifies in preparation for sequestration.
Defense
Budget cuts should not come at expense of civilian workforce, Pentagon officials say
Downsizing would be 'very, very detrimental,' panelist warns.
Pay & Benefits
OPM hits a lull in retirement claims processing
Agency receives and processes fewest claims in months, but progress reducing backlog continues.
Defense
Defense not monitoring cost-cutting initiatives, report finds
Defense needs standardized metrics to gauge savings and reinvestments, watchdog says.
Oversight
Senate unanimously approves Hatch Act update
Bill would expand the range of possible penalties for employees who violate the law.
Pay & Benefits
Feds petition to get Christmas Eve off
If the movement gains 25,000 signatures, the White House will issue a response.
Thinking Ahead
Tweeting From Space
NASA’s Jason Townsend engages social media users to promote the agency.
Pay & Benefits
Federal managers lack information about partial retirement options, survey finds
Agencies are not preparing for skilled worker exodus from mass retirements.
Pay & Benefits
Unions reject latest bid to include pay freeze, benefits cuts in deficit deal
Labor groups say Republican Sen. Bob Corker’s proposal unfairly targets feds.
Management
Employee satisfaction dips at several agencies
Officials vow to turn low marks on annual survey into positive changes.
Oversight
Hearing on Veterans Affairs conference spending turns combative
VA official accuses lawmakers of taking a 'slap' at hardworking employees, panel chairman takes offense at the suggestion and declares 'truce' over.
Pay & Benefits
OPM revises language, pushes telework for federal closures
Confusion during Sandy leads to clarification of language alerting employees offices are shut.
Pay & Benefits
Sandy victims permitted to withdraw funds from TSP
Feds can continue to pay into their retirement plan despite financial hardship withdrawal.
Pay & Benefits
Leaving feds out of deficit deal wins bipartisan support
Lawmakers representing federal employees say their constituents have paid fair share.
Pay & Benefits