THE DAILY FED
SESers, Know Your Rights
In a booklet called "Transition to a New Administration," the Senior Executives Association spells out SESers' rights regarding job reassignments and makes suggestions about how executives should react to the process of getting a new boss.
The 28-page booklet notes that career senior executives need not worry about job security during the first four months of a new administration, when they are protected by law from being transferred out of their jobs. During that "get-acquainted period," however, the booklet says career executives should try to develop good working relationships with new appointees and expect the appointees will come to their positions with predetermined agendas.
Non-career senior executives have no tenure or due process rights, the guide says.
In the past, agency heads were permitted to cut an SESer's salary, as long as the executive was given 15 days notice. Since 1992, pay reductions are only permitted if an SESer's performance rating is less than fully successful. No final performance ratings can be given during the first 120 days of a new administration.
In addition to providing career information, the guide suggests ways to smooth the transition process, including finding published material on appointees to learn of how their past experiences may affect their agendas and preparing a list for new appointees of the major program issues the department or agency faces.
The booklet costs $5 per copy and can be purchased via check or money order made out to "SEA PDL" and sent to SEA, P.O. Box 7610, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, D.C. 20044. D.C. Sales Tax (5.75%) applies if mailing address is in Washington, D.C. Shipping and handling is $1 per booklet. It can also be ordered online from the Senior Executive Store.
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