Author Archive
Pay
Advocates, lawmakers laud firefighter pay boost
Federal wildland firefighters finally get long-awaited pay boost, and advocates are relieved.
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Union: Fed firefighters finally get big pay boost
Nathan Abse interviews NFFE's president, Randy Erwin, about the good news: Fed wildland firefighters finally got a big raise, at least for two years. But climate change is bringing far more fire danger to our country, and much of the rest of the world.
Employee Policy
Despite polarizing politics, civil service protections endure—for now
With hearings on the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection looming, political scientist Kenneth Warren discusses the danger extreme polarization poses to American politics—and, over time, the civil service.
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Expert: Despite polarizing politics, civil service protections endure—for now
As Congress opens hearings on the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Nathan Abse interviews political scientist Kenneth Warren about the dangers the country's ongoing partisan polarization poses to the functioning of our political system—and, longer term, federal agencies and the civil service.
Defense agency health unit represented by AFGE
Employees at Defense Health Agency headquarters have chosen AFGE as their union representatives.
D.C. Rep. slams bill to relocate agencies
The District of Columbia's longtime representative to Congress pushes back on yet another proposal to move federal agencies away from Washington.
Employee Policy
All hands on deck?
Even as many feds have returned to their agency offices and other traditional workplaces, some argue far many more should be back at their desks.
Employee Policy
New or aspiring fed? Check out the redesigned GoGovernment.org
A newly revamped GoGovernment.org, from the Partnership for Public Service (PPS), helps quickly inspire and guide new and returning applicants on their journey to federal employment.
Retirement
Report: In one year, inflation ate 10% of Social Security’s buying power
A report from the Senior Citizens League highlights the loss of buying power in Social Security payments, tracking their erosion over time vs. inflation—and an especially harsh loss of 10% over the past year.
Pay
TSA bill passes House, promises better pay
If the bill becomes law, Transportation Security Officers and other TSA employees would see a significant pay raise—and gain access to the same appeals processes permitted for other federal employees.
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House passes TSA workforce reform bill
Congress advanced a bill that, if approved in the Senate and signed at the White House, would give TSA employees better pay and collective bargaining rights on many issues, just like other feds.
Benefits
Despite recent losses, USPS and unions see improvement ahead
The Postal Service recently reported a rise in overall revenue but some all-too-familiar net losses. However, in the wake of the recently passed Postal Service Reform Act, both management and unions expect better balance sheets in the future.
Pay
TSA workers, reps press for full GS rights
Transportation Security Agency employees aim this week to see the House pass a bill that would provide them with better pay and appeal options, similar to those available to other federal employees.
Employee Policy
Feds return to offices, boost local economies
Local news stories across the country are noting the healthy economic effects of the growing number of feds who are again working—at least part of the time—at the office.
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Expert: Employers, government face airborne COVID dangers
With feds returning to offices, Nathan Abse interviews William P. Bahnfleth, Penn State University engineer and government advisor on how to beat back the threat of COVID in the workplace.
Employee Policy
April 28: Workers Memorial Day
Workers Memorial Day honors those who have lost their lives on the job, while recognizing the evolving successes of workplace safety efforts—in the federal government, led by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), now pressing for improvements for five decades. Government and unions are marking the day.
Financial Planning
Inflation spurs retirement concerns, but adjusting investments can help
The spike in prices, and forecasts for more inflation to come, is bringing worry to those planning for retirement. But a raft of advisories and expert sources in the media offer new strategies to protect and strengthen your savings plans.
Senior Execs: Deadline May 1 to nominate top feds
The group that represents federal execs will soon close nominations for its 2022 top awards.
Employee Policy
Union wants continued maximum telework—but OPM is pushing back
AFGE says the agency has rejected—often without due consideration—at least 80 proposals the union has made to retain the expanded remote work pioneered during the COVID pandemic.
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