Management
OPM Proposes Legislation to Clarify Probationary Periods, Expand Hiring Eligibility
The federal government’s HR agency also hopes to remove a cap on interns at federal agencies.
Oversight
OPM-GSA Merger Plan Would Create ‘Additional Uncertainty’ in Retirement Processing Reform
A government watchdog report said the Trump administration’s proposal to merge the federal government’s HR agency with the General Services Administration could make it more difficult to modernize the retirement process.
Pay & Benefits
House Panel Advances Bills to Protect Feds’ Insurance During Shutdowns
Legislation would ensure that workers can adjust health benefits following significant life events and prevent their dental, vision and long-term care coverage from lapsing.
Workforce
Some Agencies Reluctant to Offer Telework Amid D.C. Metro Disruption
The Office of Personnel Management directed agencies to encourage the practice during the summer closures of half a dozen Virginia Metrorail stations.
Pay & Benefits
Civilian Pay Raise Advances, TSP Prepares More Changes
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Pay & Benefits
House Panel Approves 3.1% Pay Raise for Feds in 2020
The bill advanced by the House Appropriations Committee to the House floor Tuesday also would increase funding for a number of civilian agencies.
Workforce
A Growing Number of Feds Think They've Seen Favoritism, Other Prohibited Personnel Practices
Uptick could be at least partially a result of increased awareness, Merit Systems Protection Board concludes.
Workforce
Pentagon Orders Delay in IT Employee Transfers Following Union Protest
The Defense Department no longer plans to move staff from support agencies to the Defense Information Services Agency before the end of September, officials said.
Workforce
FLRA Chair Justifies High Overturn Rate By Saying Arbitrators Are ‘Exceeding Authority’
A study by an arbitrator found that Colleen Duffy Kiko’s FLRA has set overturned awards roughly three times as often as the FLRA during the Obama and George W. Bush administrations.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Seeks Fund Managers, Prepares New Withdrawal Options
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Labor Authority Chairwoman Defends Decisions to Decertify Union, Close Regional Offices
Democratic lawmakers blasted decisions that overturned decades of agency precedent, and suggested Federal Labor Relations Authority Chairwoman Colleen Duffy Kiko was untruthful in her testimony.
Pay & Benefits
House Panel Advances Spending Bill With 3.1% Pay Raise for Feds
The measure also would block the Trump administration’s plan to merge the Office of Personnel Management with the General Services Administration.
Management
Impasses Panel Guts Telework, Official Time for Employees at Social Security Administration
Although the Federal Service Impasses Panel frequently sided with management, it knocked down multiple efforts to reduce the scope of grievance procedures.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Funds End May Mostly in the Red
Only two funds within the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program posted gains last month.
Oversight
GSA Failed to Remove Toxic Materials From Federal Facility Going Back Decades, Union Says
Dozens of studies have shown hazardous materials at the former munitions plant turned federal office building and child care center. Union alleges whistleblower retaliation.
Management
Union, Lawmakers Vow Fight to Stop Forest Service Layoffs
Capitol Hill reportedly was caught off guard by the Labor and Agriculture department announcement that officials planned to shutter Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers.
Management
OPM Abandons Proposal that Federal Job Applicants Disclose Pre-Trial Diversion Participation
Although federal officials say the plan was well intentioned, advocates decried the initiative as counter to ongoing criminal justice reform efforts.
Pay & Benefits
TSA Announces Pass-Fail Performance Management System for Screeners
Officials say the new process will cut down on paperwork and continue to reward strong performers.
Pay & Benefits
TSP to Simplify 'Spillover' Contributions, and Officials Oppose Bill Restricting Investments
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management