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Return to Article: Legislator says withholding Pentagon personnel plans violates laws

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  Hey Dave, you did have a choice.

  You write that you didn't think anything would change with this administration, but voted for Bush anyway because there was no other option. There was another choice. You sent a message that you were content with the administration. Why are you complaining now?

  GovExec.com reader Posted December 2, 2004 12:27 PM
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  Which of us in their right mind had thought anything different would come from this administration? I voted for this administration, but what choice did we have? Now we need to contact those state representatives to try and stop these heinous actions before they get to the point of no return. If there is nothing to hide, why is the information being kept secret????? Congress, help us out here.

  Dave Posted December 2, 2004 8:11 AM
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  From one Senior HR Specialist to my junior colleague- you don't have to stay in DoD- I didn't and will never return. Our skills are desperately needed in 150 agencies in the federal government, and in the private sector. If you are uncomfortable crafting an NSPS which will harm your co-workers, and yourself, by all means take your KSAs somnewhere else-- and let your coworkers slit their own throats for that GS-15. And if you are uncomfortable with the silly secrecy-- I doubt you will be comfortable once your new system becomes operational.

  There are some jobs in some agencies where SES pay isn't enough to put up with the stupidity. Life is too short and it's only a job!

  HR Specialist

  GovExec.com reader Posted December 1, 2004 8:40 AM
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  It will make little difference if a copy is provided. The unions will do their normal thing and make life unbearable for those in charge at DOD. Any federal employee within the system already knows how crooked OPM is to begin with. Kay Coles James has too much power and she need to be removed.

  GovExec.com reader Posted November 30, 2004 7:58 PM
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  At a recent conference, I was told by a NSPS implementation planner that the agency representatives were advised not to leak any information regarding the planning discussions for NSPS at the agency level...even to personnelists. I piped up and said that even if they could not communicate the "plan or options under discussion" then at least communicate why they cannot communicate the plan. No reason was provided. However, my biggest concern was the general prevailance of apathy from the other personnelists present concerning the closed-door planning process. What, are you concerned that if you ask questions, you might not get that GS-15 promotion? As a younger employee, let me express my thanks for letting the newer generation inherit such an organizational culture.

  GovExec.com reader Posted November 30, 2004 5:31 PM
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  Isn't fear an interesting emotion-even for an organization like DoD. They are afraid of sharing the information with their Unions and hide behind the APA- Senator Kennedy is absolutely on point- there is nothing in the APA which precludes DoD from sharing information with their Unions- or heaven forbid, actually work with their unions to create a better product for their employees. What a unique concept for DoD- Consensus and Partnership between the agency, its employees, and its unions.

  This is why I will never, ever apply for a job with DoD. I worked there once and never again. I'm not a big fan of command and control organizations at war with their employees.

  Here is a thought for DoD- if the nation is at war why open a second front against your own employees?

  HR Specialist

  GovExec.com reader Posted November 30, 2004 8:19 AM
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  Well, gee there must be a reason why no information about a plan to cut employees' pay and take away fundamental Title 5 protections is not forthcoming to the rank and file. Because...there's nothing in it for them? I think we're onto something here.

  EX-DOD and glad to be.

  GovExec.com reader Posted November 30, 2004 7:17 AM
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  Senator Kennedy, with all due respect, the plan does not exist until such time as it is published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rule making. The union is no more entitled to an advanced copy of the plan than they are entitled to any other working draft of a proposed rule that effects the public.

  GovExec.com reader Posted November 29, 2004 8:45 PM