Employee Policy
AFGE repeats call for new TSA law enforcement unit
The head of the union that represents Transportation Security Administration airport screeners continued to call for creation of a new TSA law enforcement unit in testimony last week before a House panel.
Employee Policy
Applications open for Air Force civilian training
Air Force appropriated fund civilian employees can begin applying for intermediate and senior developmental educational opportunities, the Air Force Personnel Center announced.
Retirement
Federal Benefits Q&A
Question: "I am a TransFERS employee. My wife is older than I am, and will be fully eligible for Social Security benefits (no government service). If she decides to "file and suspend," and then I file for half of her benefit, would that benefit be affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision? Or will the WEP only affect my benefit when I begin to take it?"
Benefits
Veteran employment rises in 2013
The unemployment rate among veterans who have served on active duty since September 2001 decreased last year to an annual average of 9 percent, according to new figures released by the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Employee Policy
Workforce losses to hinder IRS, union says
The loss of thousands of employees at the Internal Revenue Service will hamstring the agency in helping taxpayers during this year's filing season, maintains the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents employees at the agency.
Retirement
Insight by Mike Causey: Data Mining
How could bad news about what's going on in a rented limestone mine in Pennsylvania actually be good news for you when you retire? Read on, because sometimes bad news in D.C. can be good news—depending on who reads it!
Pay
Campaigns spotlight important role of federal employees
Two of the most vocal labor groups representing federal workers have launched public relations campaigns aimed at boosting the public’s appreciation for the work performed by federal employees.
Retirement
Senators want OPM to report on retirement processing
A bipartisan group of senators are calling on the director of the Office of Personnel Management to report on the agency's efforts to modernize the processing of federal worker retirement claims, and to continue to report on the progress of those modernization efforts.
Employee Policy
DOD to bolster cyber force
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that the Defense Department will continue the cyber force-building work of Army Gen. Keith B. Alexander, who is stepping down as head of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency.
Employee Policy
Another postal group joins 'Stop Staples' effort
The National Association of Letter Carriers issued a formal announcement that it will join other unions in a "national day of action" to push back against what organizers call the "privatization of postal services" at Staples office supply stores.
Employee Policy
Lawmakers question Army DFAS project
A group of Midwestern lawmakers have asked the Defense Department's comptroller for details on an Army proposal to restructure the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Employee Policy
MSPB looking for research fodder
Federal employees have an opportunity to suggest research topics for the Merit Systems Protection Board.
Oversight
Congress Had an Unusually Productive Day Thursday
Day is noteworthy for number of bills considered and voted on, as well as compromise.
Pay & Benefits
Senators to OPM: Your Retirement Claims Processing Is So 1977
Lawmakers tell OPM its system is old-fashioned and wasting government money.
Pay & Benefits
The Government Is Actually Not Growing When It Comes to Earnings
The federal government was the only industry to see a decline in earnings in 2013, according to new statistics.
Oversight
Lawmakers Want to Know More About Why Feds’ Morale Is So Low
House Oversight Democrats say agency effectiveness appears damaged, request GAO study.
Nextgov
Hackers Seduce Psychiatrist, Rip Off Cali Drivers and Taint Porn Site
Just another week in ThreatWatch, our regularly updated index of noteworthy data breaches.
Management
USPS Workers Went Bowling, Gambling Using Agency Credit Cards
Postal Service employees spent tens of thousands of dollars for personal expenses on the agency’s dime.
Defense One