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Return to Article: OPM modifies rules for figuring certain employees' retirement benefits

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  Shawn... I completely understand what yo are saying. I am also a victim of an on the job injury. My physical injury was my right arm, surgery in 3 places...and continued to do my duty....until my left arm became a problem from abusing it to "hold my position" and one day I would make regular and have the opportunity to a good retirement, like we all want, Right? Wrong! When I could no longer pull 100% and was put to limited duty...my "co-workers" were lead by my Supervisor to harass and humiliate me to tears on a regular basis. They actually got "kudos" on the days I was forced to leave early because I could no longer control my tears. Finally the day came..I had a complete breakdown and the doctor had a difficult time as to whether I should be hospitalized or not. Needless to say I was removed from duty and no longer the "senior ptf" which I was for 4 years. 3 regular positions were witheld for over 3 of those 4 years because I was next to make regular and they didn't want a "office retard", (which they dubbed me because I couldn't lift heavy objects), taking a regular position. Well, to summarize...2 weeks before the documents for a disability retirement were complete, to of the PTF clerks below me made regular. The point being... Through pain, suffering and humiliating remarks...to the point of severe post tramatic trauma, major depression,feeling like you are less of a person than the rest of the world...Did we earn the right to a full benefit retirement???? Heck Yes Shawn..We did and don't you dare give up or stop believing you are worthy of this benefit! Oh, by the way, I did file an EEOC...2 1/2 years and $26,000.00 (in attorneys fees), later...I prevailed and got a whole $8,000.00 out of it AND the P.O. had to post the notice in the lunchrooms that they were found guilty of discrimination. Hang in there Shawn and God Bless.

  I'm still in the Hot seat! Posted July 23, 2007 9:07 PM
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  Shawn, On the surface it appears that the actions you say your employer has taken are not legal or proper. Have you talked to your union? I suspect there is more to this story than what you have stated, but it sounds like you need some help from an attorney or your union or both.

  Ed,

  I don't think this just applies to one person as you seem to think by your statement. I fail to see how this is in any way a disincentive to return to full time work. It is true, that most federal employees have the ultimate goal of retirement, they do not at the same time expect to retire with the benefits of a full time employee by working less than full time. There are other incentives to strive for a full eight hours of work such as pay and leave.

  Robert Wilson Posted July 10, 2007 11:53 AM
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  This takes away any incentive to try to return to full time work. Receiving full time credit for half time work is the government way. Was there any offer for changing crafts any effort on the claiments part to increase his skills to perform tasks that were within his limitations? Making this award retroactive is another action toward a welfare state. There has to be some incentive for rehabilitation. Half time work is just that, half time. There is now an additional incentive for employees to stay off work and receive full credit.

  Ed Uniatowski Posted July 10, 2007 9:26 AM
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  I have been on work. comp. for four years and have used all a/l and s/l for therapy; dr. visits. Never be reinstated any leave. This is leagal. Plus my supervisor, tells me when I can and cannot got to therapy. Injured in a fall at my job, and never had the 45 days. Fall resulted in chronic pain, and increased an alread existing condition. Now the government is trying to fire me. Well my agency (HUD). I have been in service 13 years and started at temp. and was 100% in perfect health. Is this accecptable?

  Shawn M. Kelely Posted July 10, 2007 8:10 AM